Pass Me The Steak Sauce, Please

Isn’t it amazing how often passages of scripture amaze us? Sometimes when I least expect it, there it is: truth or hope or courage just jump off the page. Here’s an example. The Apostle Paul, the one who developed Christianity through a few pieces of correspondence to local communities, mentioned in the first letter to the Corinthians an issue that was troubling the good people of Corinth. Problem: should we eat meat that has been offered to idols? Is it contaminated by that offering? If my neighbor throws a party and serves idol-offered meat, should I refuse the invitation? It was a serious issue.

Apparently some people held strong opinions–on both sides of the issue. You’ve met people with strong opinions, haven’t you. There is often the assumption that everyone should believe their way, and, if they don’t, then clearly they are misinformed and mistaken. Well, Paul does get around to answering the question of “idol meat” and if this is a major question for you today, then have a look at Chapter 8 of First Corinthians. I’m more interested at the moment with a preliminary comment Paul makes. He writes: “We sometimes tend to think we know all we need to know to answer these kinds of questions, but sometimes our humble hearts can help more than our proud minds. We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all.”

Nothing wrong at all with having opnions, even strong opinions; just get to your conclusion and opinion via the pathway of humility. And then once there, in the position of having an opinion, hold it gently, rather like holding a delicate flower instead of a club. In most tough issues, there is always room for conversation, listening, and considering with the heart. So, the next time “meat offered to idols” comes up in conversation with your neighbor, remember this simple statement of ancient wisdom: “humble hearts can often help us more than proud minds” and “We never really know enough until we recognize that God knows it all.”

A taste of humility for a Sunday morning. Bon Appetite!