Just Because You Can

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

When I was a kid, there was a rule we all lived by. This rule was so sacred that it was practically unspoken. Everyone just knew. If we strayed from this one rule, Mom would always be quick to remind us. The rule was “It’s not fun if everyone’s not having fun.” It might be fun for you to tease your brother, but if it’s not fun for your brother then you’re in big trouble. Don’t be concerned only for your own good but for the good of others. Don’t do something just because you can.

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians he is reminding believers about the evils of idolatry. He warns them about eating food offered to idols. There is nothing wrong with the food itself. It’s the same food you would buy in the marketplace, but Paul says don’t eat it out of consideration for the conscience of the one who tells you that it was offered to idols.

Consider the implications that it has on the other person. Don’t be concerned only for your own good but for the good of others. Don’t do something just because you can.