In the Left Behind fictional book series there’s a statement that has always stood out to me. Cameron “Buck” Williams is the protagonist throughout the books (played by Kirk Cameron and Nicholas Cage in the films). Among Buck’s travels he meets Ken Ritz, a private pilot that ends up flying Buck in and out of some difficult situations. While Buck is a Christian; Ken Ritz is not.
But Ken’s commitment to help Buck with his Christian ministry is unwavering. At one point the non-believing pilot Ken tells Buck, “I’ve seen the way you people take care of each other.” Ken had seen how the Christians during the tribulation were desperately working hard to take care of each other and meet needs.
What a testimony we can have as believers to the non-Christian world when we love and care for each other sacrificially.
There was in issue in the city of Corinth that required the Christians to sacrifice and accommodate each other. Paul wrote, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1, NASB)[1]
Just before this Paul describes how there were issues among the Christians regarding eating meat. There was meat that had been sacrificed to idols and served at pagan feasts. There also was meat sacrificed to idols that eventually was brought to the meat market, purchased by individuals, and taken home and served at private dinners.
What Paul was telling the people here is that they are okay to eat that meat unless they are questioned by people. If someone was unsure and asked if it should be eaten or not, a Christian was obligated to abstain from eating the meat as a way to accommodate the conscious of his or her fellow believer.
In other words, Christians restricted their liberty at the request of others. Even if they were hungry!
As Christians now we show our love for others carefully evaluating our actions and how they might affect others. If a Christian brother is on a diet, we should choose to eat healthy food in front of him. If a Christian sister is trying to manage her money well, we should not invite her out to eat at expensive restaurants with us.
One of the ways that people can identify us as Christians is how we care for each other and make accommodations for each other.
[1] Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission.