In the days of the early church, the sellers of food often symbolically offered meat sold at market to an idol before offering it in the market. Many new believers questioned whether they should partake in this meat as it offended their sensibilities.
Paul, addressed the issue by pointing out that an offering to a non-existent God isn't inherently tainted, but the more mature believers should understand those that felt strongly about not eating such meat and avoid eating such meat themselves. After all, many of new converts had come from such forms of idolatry and need not be tempted back into their old ways.
We've all sinned. We've all had idols in our lives at one time or another. These idols are not necessarily idols in the traditional sense, but idols that steal our time, talent, and treasure (such as work, achievement, hobbies, etc.). Many of these things that become idols in our lives are not inherently wrong (in fact, some, such as work, are absolutely necessary in the appropriate amount). When these types of things become idols in our lives it is usually indicative of a deeper spiritual problem that causes us to be willing to misuse the time, talent, and treasure with which God has entrusted us. When we deal with the underlying problem(s), the desire to please God through proper stewardship of our time, talent, and treasure far outweighs the tendencies toward idolatry.
Men, let us beware of the issues that would tempt ourselves, and our brethren, into idolatry. My temptations may not be the same as yours, and yours may not be the same as those of another friend. But, we can provide support and accountability to each other to help each other through these issues of life. Most importantly, like Paul admonished in the subject chapter, let us respect our brothers and help avoid temptations that could lead us back into the old ways!
Thom Creel
