First Corinthians

· First, so that his conscience will not be defiled – for it is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict the world of sin and judgment.

· Further, so that his understanding of the true faith will not be darkened by our poor example.

· What does that wedding ring on your finger symbolize? Or is it meaningless, just something people do?

· You consider yourself a patriot? How does someone burning the flag affect you? Or is it just a piece of cloth? Is it not a symbol of the highest worth to you?

· If these are not sufficient, consider that God, throughout the Old Testament, used the symbols of sacrifice and offering to explain his purpose and love for us.

· Paul calls it the cup of blessing – thanksgiving, in the New International – even though it represents the shed blood of our Lord. In what higher, more powerful way could our Lord proclaim his love for us? Paul’s readers would have seen this.

· The bread is said to be sharing (participation in the New International). Is there are better symbol of fellowship than this? We still “break bread – together.” So in this we see the strong unity of the church, and our care for each other.

· Taken together, the act of eating what is clearly called the body and blood of Christ must say – at least to an alert mind – that we are become the body of Christ. For – symbolically, at least – you are what you eat.

· He might conclude that you hold both beliefs. Or, as we would say it today, “all religions are equally true.” Which is to say, they are equally false. Which then points him to the perfectly logical conclusion that you think the faith you proclaim in communion to be false.

· He might conclude that you don’t really believe anything. You might be one of those folks who say, “it doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as you’re sincere.” It is just possible that this unbeliever might be smart enough to recognize just how dumb that statement is – and just how dumb you are.

· He might otherwise conclude that you are more afraid of what other people will think – let’s not offend those idol worshipers, now – than you are of God. This doesn’t seem to accord well with the image of the Almighty, now does it?

· He might just reach the logical conclusion that you’re a fraud, a hypocrite. It’s also logical to assume that you think this a perfectly reasonable thing to be.

· What would they think about you, as a Christian, from the way you behave?

· What would they think about the church, seeing you as their best known example of same?

· What would they think about God – seeing you as the person who knows him best?

· Look at it this way: if you brought some sweet young thing home to your wife, with the explanation that “It’s not that I don’t love you honey, I just needed a little variety. I can love you both.” – just how do you think she would react?

· Have you not read that the Lord your God is a jealous God? How then – given the example above – do you think He will react?

· It is faintly possible your wife might just take action. My wife is often quoted as saying, “Divorce? No. Murder, yes, but divorce, no.” Have you no fear of the Living God?

· First, they are useful in strengthening those who are weak. Are you an alcoholic? Make it a rule never to touch the stuff.

· They are also useful for the beginner. As a child, I was forbidden to play in the street. Later, as a driver and a father, I understood why.

· The objectives of self-mastery are the same as those of the rules: proper conduct of the Christian life, pleasing to God. We need to see that losing the rules did not mean losing the purpose of the rules.

· The method is different. When the rules become a burden, we leave them behind – so as to do greater things, not lesser ones.

· In all your ways, explicitly acknowledge God. It reminds you of your duties and others of your Lord.

· Be wary for the souls of others, especially the non-believer – Christ died for such, and you are his imitator.

· Indeed be wary for the non-believer – for such were you, once. Remember what your Lord has done for you.

· The faith is superior to all other beliefs – act like it. Take that thought seriously. Some things are good; others are better; you have the best of all. Don’t be ashamed to say so; don’t be ashamed to act like it.

· Have no fear of those other “gods” – even the little tin ones who sit in the high places of our world.

· Act like you know the TRUTH – personally. Because you do. Don’t be ashamed to do what is right. Even if all around you laugh, you will be bearing witness to your Lord.

· Don’t be afraid of “what people will think.” Especially the politically correct people, who consider their understanding that there is no truth to be so superior to your old-fashioned view. If gravity ever goes out of fashion, you may count on it: it will still work. Same with the truth.

· Ask yourself, “Is this something Christians ‘don’t do?’” If your friend is convinced of this, are you not attacking his conscience by doing it .

· Are you omitting something Christians should do? Even the non-believer may have reasonable expectations of your charity. A gift to a man with a cardboard sign feeds the man – but may also enlighten the soul of your friend.

· Beware the conscience of the non-believer. If you help sear that conscience into nothingness, how then does the Holy Spirit do his work of convicting the world of sin and judgment?

· Make it a point: in prayer and in words, give thanks to God in all things, so that others may know from whom you get all things.

· In wisdom restrain yourself, so that wisdom may be seen in you.

· In doubt? No idea what Jesus would do? Ask, “Is this something I can do for the glory of God?”