I love the phrase “read the room.” I distinctly remember the first time it became a phrase our friend group started to use. We were hanging out, reacting to a situation that had not gone the way I’d hoped it would. Some folks in the room were making light-hearted remarks, and I started glowering at them. “READ THE ROOM,” I thought, not even bothering to veil my frustration. I was hurting, and they didn’t see it. The words might not have been directed at me, but I was intensely vulnerable.
Paul was helping the Corinthians navigate a similar sort of tension in this passage. Someone had asked Paul a question: Is it okay for Christians to eat meat that has been previously sacrificed to pagan idols? In Corinth at the time, most meat available had been used as part of temple sacrifices. So Corinthian Christians were wondering if it was okay to eat that meat, whether they purchased it in a market or were dining with non-Christian friends.
Paul’s answer is pretty straightforward. Basically, if you’re asking this question because you’re a Christian, then you know that idols are nothing, so it would be totally fine because “all things are through him, and we exist through him” (1Corinthians 8:6). But it’s not really about you, Paul explained. “Not everyone has this knowledge,” he said, so “be careful that this right of yours in no way becomes a stumbling block for the weak” (vv.7,9). The warning Paul gave here isn’t about eating meat; it’s about how knowledge leads to pride and a feeling of superiority over weaker brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s about reading the room.
For some new Christians, eating meat that had been sacrificed to an idol would have been difficult. Paul said it could “wound their weak conscience,” which is a sin against Christ (v.12). If Christians who were still a bit unsteady in their faith saw more mature Christians eating sacrificed meat, it could cause confusion. Those who had been tempted to pray to pagan idols in the past might be tempted to see the meat as something more than it was, while to more mature, discerning eyes, it was just meat.
Paul gives the Corinthians, and us, a basic template for answering this and similar questions: put others first. Let your conscience be guided by whatever is best for your brother or sister in Christ. Throughout 1 Corinthians, Paul makes this point that we are to act in love, care for others, and live in the freedom of Christ that allows us to put others first.
“Read the room” is a sarcastic, modern phrase that reminds us that there are others with different stories and backgrounds present. Paul was much more winsome, but no less pointed, in reminding more mature Christians that there are new believers watching, learning from them. This reminder is poignant for me as well. I’m often tempted to be sarcastic, to push the boundaries of humor, or cross other lines that might be confusing for non-believers or new Christians. But putting my witness to Christ first and caring for those around me requires that I live differently. It requires that I always read the room, and know that how I act, speak, and treat others reflects my identity in Jesus. Paul said that if meat were to cause a brother to stumble, he would never eat meat again. I pray for that sense of discernment in my own life. I long for a careful, caring heart like Paul’s and, even more so, for a heart like Christ’s.
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72 thoughts on "Food Offered to Idols"
Good reminder and great breakdown about the “meat” that Paul was referring to is not only about food.
Good reminder
I’m always reminded of my dad when I look at these passages. He took up the pastorate of a small church in England. When he was a construction worker, he enjoyed an occasional icy beer when he got home from work. But he came to understand that a couple of the older ladies in the church had alcoholic (unsaved) husbands. To these women, alcohol was a source of great sorrow in their lives. So my dad made the decision that, as their pastor, it was better for them if he didn’t drink any alcohol at all.
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I pray that Jesus would show me how to truly apply what Paul is talking about in this chapter. The only way I have seen this example in my own life is when I have had friends who were sober, I would drink in front of them. I pray I would be aware of other times this chapter is applicable.
Needing to remember that I’m a Christian every where I go and to everyone I encounter
Amen ❤
My pastor shared this the other Sunday- he started his ministry as an AA leader for young men. He was walking them through alcoholism and preaching about the negatives of drinking alcohol. Well one day the pastor and his wife went to Red Lobster, and while they were waiting he went to the bar to get an Odouls (no alcohol beer). It was served in a beer-drinking glass but he thought nothing of it as it wasn’t beer. In walks in one of his young men from the AA group, he hugs the pastor, and then asks what he was doing. Before the pastor could answer, the young man gave him a look of “I can’t believe you!” and called him a hypocrite and walked out, all before the pastor could answer.
I’m not saying this to down the pastor or say this has never happened to me, but could you imagine the feeling of disappointment you’d have in this case?! When I worked on this 7/3/24 the Lord illumined my tendency to gossip about the person living on my property. This living situation went from helping 2 young “friends” to a very upsetting situation close to 2yrs later, but I find myself not being hospitable anymore but being bitter how they have been. Please Lord cleanse my heart, help me to see them with kind eyes instead of my fleshy ones. I don’t want to be a hypocrite by any means.
Today’s scriptures convict me in my conversation habits with Christians and non-Christians alike. I can easily take a poor situation or outcome, and turn it into this person could have done differently and saved so much trouble. Criticism, plain and simple, gossip that does nothing to lift up those around me. Jesus, help me to see the error of my ways and for the Holy Spirit to move me to eliminate this kind of behavior. Amen
Ooh the conviction hit today. I was talking with a friend that I’ve known for a long time that I haven’t read the room for, I’ve only assumed she was a strong Christian. Which has made me blind to how rocky her faith is, there is no judgement to her, but I haven’t been gently restoring her heart in the way I should. I’ve been judging her from my assumed standpoint and would get frustrated with her when we didn’t see eye-to-eye. Oh thank Jesus for His mercy with me, and His conviction that opens my eyes!
Food Offered to Idols went much farther in educating me than I was expecting. I made a sarcastic comment and a friend said, that is why I love you! She meant it, but it hit home for me. I need to be so much more aware and careful of my speech. Most that would meet me might not recognize that I am a believer. That saddens me. It is time to ask God for help in how I am behaving and living my life.
“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” 1 Corinthians 8:1
That one sentence just about sums it all up! It all comes down to love. Love puts others first. Love doesn’t get hung up on “me”. Love is patient, love is kind. Of the 3 remaining – faith, hope and love, love is the greatest.
The Beatles, I’m sure had no idea how right they were when they sang – “all you need is love”. What they didn’t know was it is the love of God, not worldly love that makes all the difference in the world today and in the hearts of men.
May each of us be filled with the love of God today and make our choices based on that.
Blessings sisters!
Good morning (late morning or me) sweet She’s. Just checking in. Still here. I normally do my devotions FIRST thing BEFORE anything else! However, the excessive heat warnings has me outside running before it gets too hot! I thought of getting up earlier, but since I’ve been struggling with sleep, I swapped my quiet time and MAKE SURE I’m in the WORD the moment I’m done. Happy Wednesday sweet She’s. I loved how Melanie started our devo this morning and I too, will take her phrase: “READ THE ROOM” as I interact with others.
THANK you all who have prayed regarding income. Not sure if I mentioned I got hired at our church for NEXT week in childcare for all the volunteers participating in VBS! I’m SO excited as I will have ages infants-kindergarten!! Though its not full time, I’m OK with that! God is good! I feel my Jesus wants me to “rest” and leave the rest (income) to HIM! Speaking of which it doesn’t look like my kids and I will be able to get away, but I’m still hopeful.
The stumbling block for those of weaker conscience. Oh where do I start? My family have been victims to this, and perhaps we were also on the other side, unknowingly, may God help us. There are many levels to sin, hidden sin, anything that is not of faith is sin. Being vigilant of our surroundings, our associations, our actions, words and attitude is going an extra mile to care for the community of faith. Being tactful is so necessary, so as we don’t sin against Christ. I used to be so puzzled, years back, when a pastor gossiped about someone else behind their back, but he called it “calling out evil”, but not directly to this elderly lady, but to us (new Christians that just joined this small home church). I was confused, but I was thinking, well, I am learning. Lord have mercy. He wounded my conscience, when I later found out Bible clearly taught us to privately go to the person and gently build them back up, and not a public matter. And another instance, when my husband and I joined an Alpha group at the beginning of our faith journey, (background note my husband then had a very weak conscience), and at the end of the Alpha session, the lead who hosted this at their home served refreshment (God bless them), and he relaxed with a beer. My husband noted that in his mind, and the very next day of the next few years of our lives, my husband always had several beers for dinner. I grieved and I grieved. He even hid this from me by keeping the beer in the garage tucked away, and poured into coffee mug so I wouldn’t know. I was so hurt and wounded by his action. May God help us to be tactful in what we do. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Wisdom, the Spirit of Counsel, and in many cases, when we are in an environment to glorify Christ, in church, in small groups, in bible study, in church camp, Sunday school, in church volunteer events, etc. may we take a step back from our regular tendencies /reflexes, to lean on the counsel and leading of the Holy Spirit, should I speak like this, should I dress like this, or joke like this? I stumbled several times and I had to apologize privately. Truly it is a practice and a beneficial mental check I need to commit and be intentional about. May we learn to scan the room. It is a beautiful thing to be mindful of the body of Christ, of new brothers and sisters who are still learning, who are watching us silently as their big sisters, big brothers, we are their disciples to be Christ like. What a big reminder.
@LAURA DIANE: thank you for sharing. I love it that you chose to do what you did, since “whatever does not proceed from faith is sin”, continual prayers for this situation. @BONNIE: prayers for your daughter as well.
@LEHUA K: lovely to see you again.
@MICHELLE P: you were on my mind too, where are you sister?
@MIA FAITH: praying that the joy of the Lord is your strength, and your grandchildren’s shield and buckler.
Be blessed dear sisters.
So good, thank you Mercy!A lot to process!
Mercy your comment is so good. Thank you!
Hello Shes
Today the devotional got me to thinking
how we might unwittingly signal to other women – like our daughters – what is “good” or “bad” food to eat. Gluten. Carbohydrates. Sugar. You name it. Maybe there is a subtle reason why a current dietary fashion is called “clean eating”. Risking confusion in young minds. Inviting eating disorders. Layering an air of judgment or superiority.
Apostle Paul was promoting a higher level of view: meat is just meat. Not a subject of idolatry or imbued with any worship value. No clean or unclean. But your choices, he warns, as a more mature & discerning Christian could, under certain circumstances be misperceived. Fostering faulty thinking among new Christians. Rather than building them up in sound knowledge. “Reading the room” means knowing impressionable minds might readily misconstrue. And stumble.
I also long for a “caring heart like Paul’s and, even more so, for a heart like Christ’s”!
Biblegateway verse of the day – so fitting!
Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people. Proverbs 14:34 NLT
From MacArthur Study Bible:
The Greeks and Romans were polytheistic (worshiping many gods) and polydemonistic (believing in many evil spirits). They believed that evil spirits would try to invade human beings by attaching themselves to food before it was eaten, and that the spirits could be removed only by the food’s being sacrificed to a god. The sacrifice was meant not only to gain favor with the god, but also to cleanse the meat from demonic contamination. Such decontaminated meat was offered to the gods as a sacrifice. That which was not burned on the altar was served at wicked pagan feasts. What was left was sold in the market. After conversion, believers resented eating such food bought out of idol markets, because it reminded sensitive Gentile believers of their previous pagan lives and the demonic worship. we all have knowledge. Paul and mature believers knew better than to be bothered by such food offered once to idols and then sold in the marketplace. They knew the deities did not exist and that evil spirits did not contaminate the food. See note on 1 Tim. 4:3. love edifies. Knowledge mingled with love prevents a believer from exercising freedoms that offend weaker believers and, rather, builds the others up in truth and wisdom (cf. 13:1–4).
From Wiersbe’s Study Bible:
8:1 There were two sources of meat in the ancient world: the regular market (where the prices were higher) and the local temples (where meat from the sacrifices was always available). The strong members of the church realized that idols could not contaminate food, so they saved money by purchasing the cheaper meat available from the temples. Furthermore, if unconverted friends invited them to a feast at which sacrificial meat was served, the strong Christians attended it whether at the temple or in the home. All of this offended the weaker Christians. Many of them had been saved out of pagan idolatry, and they could not understand why their fellow believers would want to have anything to do with meat sacrificed to idols.
v. 3-6 Love and knowledge must go together. Knowledge is power and it must be used in love. But love must always be controlled by knowledge (see Paul’s prayer in Phil. 1:9–11). The strong believers in the church had knowledge, but they were not using their knowledge in love. Instead of building up the weak saints, the strong Christians were only puffing up themselves.
Me, again:
Philippians 1:9-11
I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.
I really appreciate these many reminders of love and knowledge! God bless you SHES for sharing your personal experiences. What a blessing you are! ❤
I was just talking about this with my husband yesterday. I think anything we do or say needs to be weighed in the sense of who we are around.
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So good to ‘see’ you! ❤
Yes! Good to “see” you Lehua! :)
LEHUA K – Hi!
So good to see you here, Lehua K! You have been on my heart and in my prayers. Hope all is well with you, your family and the family business.
This will be my new mantra “Read the Room” in my daily life. I have found myself on the wrong side of sarcasm and prideful knowledge. Lord, please forgive me. I’m so happy for new mercies and grace everyday.
I don’t know about you, but I am abundantly thankful for my Study Bible and commentaries like Enduring Word to help me weed through Paul and his wordiness!
I have been so busy absorbing it that I haven’t gotten around to commenting, but one thing I did jot down from the notes in my study Bible for v. 13:
“Here is the principle that regulates conduct in morally indifferent matters. It is the principle of LOVE VOLUNTARILY REGULATING LIBERTY (emphasis mine).
See also, Galatians 5:13
Happy Wednesday, She’s!
Yes, I use this commentary in all my studies lately, too! So helpful!
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Romans 14:19 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/rom.14.19.NIV
I believe this is the key. Praying for discernment in all circumstances. I desire to lift up not tear down. To be more like Jesus.
It is so amazing how a small chapter can have such a big impact. I know I am guilty of using my sarcasm and humor to push the bounds to get a laugh. I can be widely inappropriate with my words at times.
I am very proud of how far I have come in my faith, but reading this plus the devotional lets me know I am not setting the example for others.
I pray that I start acting and speaking in a way that directly reflects my identity in Jesus.
Oof..me too!
I definitely speak before monitoring!
Same here….
Loved this one! I pray I have a heart like Paul and especially Christ as well!
My daughter and I (both teachers) often say “Read the room” to their dog, who tends to take any attention overboard and invades your personal space until you get annoyed with him. Ha – not what the author was referring to, but needless to say, I love that expression!
I’m gonna get heavy for a minute. I read this passage asking God to help me understand it in today’s context of “pronoun politeness.” I have read and listened to a lot about this, and the fact that we would not refer to our daughter’s trans partner as a “he” was a big point of contention between us. We explained why but it was not acceptable to them. I know we are in the minority in this, but I truly feel that God has prompted us to stand strong in this. We are examples to our family. Because of our stance, others have followed. Our stance was not meant to be cruel to our daughter’s partner. We told them that. But we would not perpetrate a lie in front of our family because it would be setting a standard for the younger ones in our family unit as well as affirm a lie in our daughter’s and partner’s lives. I pray that one day they both will be see that we, as Christ-followers, told them the truth and did not go along with the lie that they were both believing. I am not writing this to offend anyone who thinks differently. Everyone needs to prayerfully come to their own conclusion on this. This line from the devotional said it well: “But putting my witness to Christ first and caring for those around me requires that I live differently. It requires that I always read the room, and know that how I act, speak, and treat others reflects my identity in Jesus.”
Thank you for sharing this. My daughter is in a relationship with another woman. My husband and I have done our best to love them both, but not approve of the relationship. We also pray for both of their hearts to be open to the truth of Gods word and be set free from this lifestyle. I appreciate your openness in sharing.
Bless you both, LAURA DIANNE and BONNIE!! What a world we live in… that this is even a thought we need to have, right?!?! ❤️
Amen! ♥️
I’d like to offer another point of view for consideration, one shared with me by a former pastor: your loved ones know your beliefs. Showing them unconditional love (like Jesus did for everyone he encountered) will go a lot further to spread his Kingdom. Using a person’s preferred pronouns shows that you respect them, not necessarily everything they believe. We don’t have to convict others; that is the Holy Spirit’s job. If people see unconditional love for THEM (not necessarily everything they do), they are much more likely to want to know about our Jesus. If Jesus could dine with tax collectors and prostitutes, who are we to judge anyone, especially those outside the body of believers?
I respect your opinion on this and many have the same view that you share. I’m not here to convince others to do what we are doing, but I will say that many say this, “they know your beliefs.” I would like to add in this example as a real-life situation that I believe illustrates that we assume they know our beliefs, but actions actually speak louder than words. My mother is a very strong Christian. However, she really has struggled with this situation and knowing how to handle it. She decided to continue to get with my daughter and her partner (which I did not discourage, I was glad that my mom had contact with her). She treated them like any other couple that she would have over to her house. Our daughter knows that her grandmother loves Jesus. She knows that she is a Christian. But our daughter said to me, why is grandma okay with our relationship and calling my partner a boy, but you aren’t. She’s a Christian too, and she doesn’t see anything wrong with our relationship. This broke my mom’s heart. She was trying to be loving and accepting. She said to me, she knows my beliefs. Why would she think that I am okay with their relationship? All I can say is, I truly do believe that actions are what people believe. Especially when it is a family member, who knows your beliefs AND is watching how you react, how you handle it. Yes, Jesus dined with sinners. But He did not tell them to continue in their sin. People use this example all the time, but for some reason we forget that Jesus tells people to go and sin no more. He doesn’t dine with them and then act like what they are doing is okay. He preached a lot about honesty (and used the tax collectors as examples) and adultery. Again, I am not trying to stir up anything on here, so I apologize if I am coming across as combative. That is not my intent. But we as Christians MUST stand for truth and not get sucked into what the culture tells us is “loving.”
That is a very good conversation and points. So many of us have trouble with the lines. My son lived with his gf, and he knew I did not approve. My step brother is gay, I have no idea what he thinks I approve or not, and probably doesn’t give it two sense. BUT my concern..when people say..let them be happy, and live like they want…is that it DOES affect others. Sin spreads and destroy. And that includes their kids and family and society. That is the focus today as it should be. The one in my group that I mentioned a few days ago, has 2 kids both from each of the married mothers. Now they are divorcing…and bringing the kids to church. How confused are these poor kids going to be. It is a mess for them, just as divorce is on kids. We can see our crazy society IS crazy. That is why actions matter…and the mantra of “it doesn’t affect me” decades okay..have come to this. So it does affect you. It affects all of us. I have not run into a situation of calling a he a she, but look what it has done to sports, and the strike back on people that naturally go by biology. Look at gay churches. You can’t be a gay Christian. It’s an oxymoron. You aren’t an iccestuas Christian, an adulterous Christian. It does matter of our stances. And it doesn’t have to be mean spirited…but we must stand in Christ and reflect his church. It is a sad day when we compromise and took God out of our nation. Sorry, I will step down from my box now. I do look back that I am glad my mom didn’t disown me when I worked at a stripclub for years, but she knew it wasn’t right, and me saying I was a Christian but living like that is mocking God straight out. Now my niece is in the same environment and it hurts my heart. Gown men looking at a 20 year old in sexual, perverted ways. Getting them drunk and giving them drugs. Open during COVID when churches were closed. Do you see how this is all crazy.? Okay…now I’m done. lol.
This example with your mom is a real eye opener! It’s hard as a Christian to be kind and loving and still stand up for what we know to be truth. I pray for you every day as you deal with this. ❤️
Thank you for sharing Laura. I’m sure it’s not easy to talk about.
I do agree with your stance, but it is such a fine line. One that can only be addressed as you and others are doing – by seeking the wisdom and counsel of
(sorry accidentally hit send button)
God and following the example of Christ in the scriptures.
Prayers for each of you that are struggling with your adult children’s life choices.
Satan is a liar and is blinding the hearts and minds of the lost/back-slidden of this world.
Prayer is our greatest defense.
Sounds like your daughter still listens to her strong Christian grandmother. Hopefully they can have a conversation on their own to discuss their beliefs more. Praying for all lives involved to be surrounded by Christ’s love of knowing God’s will and patience for his timing.
“I am often tempted to be sarcastic (yes!), to push the boundaries of humor (yes!), or cross the lines that might be confusing for non-believers or new Christians (yes!).” Here it is, neatly spelled out for me. I am guilty of all of the above – sometimes it’s to get a laugh, sometimes to feel accepted and part of the crowd, and sometimes even to show I am not holier than though. One of the ways I have really be convicted of this is with my 6th grade students. I can be very sarcastic to those that act out and also let a small few sour my mood which spills over onto the whole class. This year I have felt the Lord saying “but what about the other amazing 98% who are watching and hearing you? You need to be a role model to them. And also show love and mercy to those that are doing the acting out. Just like Jesus.” Ouch! Lord forgive me. I want how I act, speak and treat others to reflect my identity in Jesus. Thank you for convicting me of this and enable me by your spirit to change. Amen.
Tami–
Your words resonate with me! I can be sarcastic–for the same reasons. I enjoy the banter with a limited few people. However, I taught high school students, and it was often so difficult to keep my thoughts from becoming words. So glad God is speaking to you; your students are blessed!
I, on the other hand, teach preschoolers. So whether 6th graders, or high schoolers, or… Thank you for convicting ME of this! ❤️
A reminder to be mindful of others, to be sure I represent my faith and Jesus in a good way, without compromise. A hard thing to do in today’s world.
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CEE GEE – thank you for posting the Casting Crowns song, I had not heard it before ❤️
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SUSAN JOINER – thank you for Wyatt update, praying for his treatment and full recovery
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MICHELLE P – miss you! ❤️
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So many good comments and testimonies yesterday – thank you, sisters!!!
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TERESA DONLEY ❤️ – so good to see you here! Thank you for sharing with us, praying for your health and for your marriage relationship. You are so loved and prayed for by so many, dear sister!!
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Love today’s devotion! Praying for the level of discernment that Paul described.
Guide my heart Lord. In Jesus name, Amen
“Knowledge leads to pride and a feeling of superiority over weaker brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s about reading the room.”
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Quick (I hope) story.
I used to facilitate a prayer walk at a previous church, using a canvas labyrinth. I posted a flier about it at work once and Christian co-worker asked that I not do that again because of anyone in the company who may associate a labyrinth with witchcraft, occult, or “new age.”
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I was rather indignant at her for a while, but after discussing it with one of my pastors, in the spirit of today’s reading, I did not post anything about it again.
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SUSAN JOINER – continuing to pray for Wyatt. Thanks for the update.
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KATHY – continuing to pray lives are being transformed during the work camp.
Thank you, KELLY ❤️ for that story/lesson. A good reminder that we never know what others believe in their hearts (vs what we think they believe) or how they may view something in a way we never imagined.
Thank you, Kelly!
Thank you for sharing your co-worker’s reaction/discernment! I guess I am naive because those connections never entered my mind. I stand educated! ❤
The devotion was very helpful in bringing these admonitions out of the ‘what I eat or drink’ example to how do I speak to others. Might my tone of voice or choice of humor cause others to doubt my relationship with Jesus? That is a very good checkup! Father, help me to remember the power of the tongue and use it today to only glorify and honor You!
Yes! Very good! Thank you for sharing!
Agreed! ❤️
Ditto! Thanks for sharing!
For me, this brings thoughts of whether I should be drinking alcohol. I love a good beer, but I love God and people more. I really struggle with it being ok to drink alcohol, especially since there are so many who have a problem with alcohol addiction. I feel, for me, drinking alcohol, may cause others to stumble. Just how I have felt since 2017. Because of that, I very rarely will consume any alcohol. Besides, the thought of not having 100% control of my thoughts and actions because of alcohol, is not appealing to me.
I know everyone feels differently about that, but that is what I have been lead to do/not do. 1 Corinthians 8:9 make it clear that if we may be causing someone to stumble, we are wrong to do it. James 4:17 tells us, if we know we should do something and don’t do it, then we are sinning (my paraphrase).
I am not looking for a debate. lol. Just wanted to share what was laid on my heart.
Have a great day ladies!
Same thinking, TRICIA. It came into my mind one day that someone watching wouldn’t know whether it was a once-a-year, one-glass celebration or an everyday occurrence so I stopped. I try not to judge anyone on their personal choices and do what I’m guided or convicted to do or not do. A question I sometimes ask myself, can any good come from this action/behavior/comment?
Total agreement with what you said Tricia. Well said!
Yeah, I agree because of the fact that alcohol IS at the factor of so many problems. It destroys families, it is the cause of accidents and deaths/injuries, and it is a money drainer. It makes people act different. So it shouldn’t be something we cling to. I used to drink a glass with dinner every night as a muscle relaxer for my back pain, it just made it more tolerable, especially if I was to sit in a uncomfortable chair in a restaurant! But it WAS a reliance, although 1 small glass seemed like nothing to most people I hung around. And by the end of the week, 2 bottles…do the math, that is a LOT of wine bottles. Anyhow, I fasted 2 years ago to come closer to God and to my surprise it was to no longer drink wine! Haven’t touched it since. It is such an acceptable thing though for Christians to drink, I can’t judge, but it causes so much damage in families and drunk driving, and almost every lady I see at jail has alcohol or drug problems that has destroyed their lives.
I have always prided myself in making sure those entrusted to me by God, my children, my grandchildren too, knew how to behave all the time, not just at home or Christmas, but in every situation! I cannot expect them to listen to me if I am doing the opposite of what I am telling or showing them is acceptable.
I have to lead by example. I have to talk by example. I cannot be making others sad by my words and expect those around me to do otherwise.. a joke with cruel intention at someone, just for laughs, or using choice words, is not a good example to my people. My attitude should be one of care and consideration for others, not dismissive or pompous.. My actions should be loving and kind and always lead to Jesus.. Always..
In my actions, is probably where I may not do a good job, I am not saying I am perfect in the above, far, far from it, but the intent is there.. and the intent is always to lead by example in what I do and say..
Actions, however, can be a let down.. a tut at someone, or a retaliation, or graceless words..
BUT GOD..
Thank goodness for His grace and mercy, for His forgiveness and the gift of another day/chance to get it right.. to be the person He created and knows I can be for His Glory..
I know I am a long way from getting things right, but what I do know is… in Joyce Meyers words.. “I am not where I used to be” Thank you Lord God, Thank you..
AMEN.
Happy Wednesday, my dears, indeed Happy Wednesday to you covered in much love and hugs and totally wrapped in gratitude for each of you for your kind words and encouragement and love for me re: yesterdays comment.. I had tears as I read your beautiful messages.. love received and stored in my heart… Thank you..❤️❤️
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I hear ya, TINA ❤️. We know that God sees and hears our every action and word, that alone is reason enough to for me to do better. I am also mindful of that others are seeing and hearing, even when we are not aware or aren’t thinking about whether our words are appropriate. I’ve been called out for saying something like “I hate it when people cut me off in traffic” … and been quickly told that hate is a bad word they aren’t allowed to use, so why did I say that???
This was one of the biggest “whoa” moments for me early in homeschooling. We knew we would homeschool from the start, but it was the reality that these little eyes will be on me, all day, ever day. And that my actions would teach them way more than any curriculum. As the oldest has reached the teenage years it is more impressed on me than ever that how I steward my time, actions and priorities will stay with my kids longer than any math lesson or science experiment. It’s a humbling honor to be an example to anyone.
“graceless words” and “the gift of another day/chance to get it right”. Thank you dear Tina. Hugs and much love to you.
I have often giggled at these passages, as I don’t eat meat. Heeheehee!
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Have a blessed day, sweet sisters, with or without meat. ❤️
Haha! I don’t either! ❤️
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