Stepping Stone or Stumbling Block

Read 1 Corinthians 8

Our faith in Christ has opened the door for His grace to wash us clean. He has made us strong. Through Christ, we can withstand any test. No obstacle is impassable nor any challenge too great. Nothing of this world can touch us. We who are one in Christ are free to walk in faith with no fear of this world or its trappings.
This does not mean that we can live without consideration for those around us. It is our calling as the body of Christ to lift up those who are our brothers and sisters. It is our desire that all would live in the light of Christ.
Not everyone has the same strength. All men do not share the same weakness. Not all men exercise the same faith. Our faith lets us tread through enemy territory without fear of capture. We must remember to always walk in the Spirit, lest we become the stone that causes another to stumble. We must remember the weakness in our brothers and sisters, as we would expect them to do for us. We would never willing lead a friend to a deadly fall. We pray the Lord’s Prayer. Remember what we ask.

Luke 11:4

“… And lead us not into temptation”

We must be careful as brothers and sisters to not lead one another into the very temptation that we pray God keeps from us. He has granted us many freedoms. We must use them to further His kingdom and not to spread doubt and confusion.
In 1 Corinthians 10:23–33 Paul further explains the responsibility that comes with our freedom. Our faith keeps us safe in situations where one who is new in Christ might falter. One who does not know Christ at all might see the example we set and without understanding, be led further astray. What image do we portray for Christ’s church?

1 Corinthians 10:23-24

“Everything is permissible” – but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but seek the good of others.

1 Corinthians 10:31

So whether you eat or drink or whatever else you do, do it all for the honor and glory of God.

It is simple when you think about it. We are ambassadors of Christ, and must conduct ourselves as such at all times. We are His body. When people look at us, do they see Him?