Challenges Of Engaging Our Secular Culture
BRD REFLECTIONS
1 Corinthians 10, 11:1 and Psalm 72 (NIV)
(David Mok, Chairperson, Church Analytics)
READ:
1 Corinthians 10, 11:1 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
My takeaway from today’s scripture reading is the eating of food offered to idols. Paul exhorts us to be mindful of the eating of food offered to other gods. He said that while we have the freedom to do so, we need to bear in mind the impression we give to others when we eat of the food. We may be a stumbling block to our brethren’s faith as by participating in the eating, we can be seen as worshipping their gods because eating of the food is deemed to be worshipping the other gods.
APPLY:
I wrestled with this question of eating of food offered to idols before. A similar situation is holding joss sticks in respect to the deceased. These are difficult questions to grapple with. More difficult situations to deal with, will be participation in Halloween, the Mid-Autumn festival, or even a same-sex relationship celebration. How do we preserve our Christian identity in the midst of racial and local culture? We are certainly free to participate in tricks and treats and eat of food offered to idols. How mindful are we to be, of both our freedom and the consequences of our actions to others?
Paul has answered that question in a thoughtful way. In verse 24 he says, “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. And in verse 33, “even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” What Paul is telling me, is to build my decision from the foundation of loving God and loving others. The decision is not just only about considering others but also about saving them. In the consideration of ‘saving them’, we need to hold on to the boundaries of God’s truth. Both considerations are to be cradled in love.
God is merciful, I am not tested yet by same-sex celebration, but I had to figure out Halloween. When we were in the U.S., we allowed our child to celebrate Halloween with his nursery class. However, we do not celebrate it at home. We decked out our home only during Christmas time.
DO:
In dealing with the culture of this secular world, I will remind myself not to be overly righteous in judgment. If and when I am tested with a difficult situation, I will remind myself to seek God first for his wisdom in dealing with the matter. I will remind myself of Paul’s exhortation to “not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.” I will build my decision on the foundation of loving our God and loving my neighbours.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, have mercy on me. I pray that I will not be put in a difficult situation that I cannot handle. Lord, you know my weakness. Please change my heart to your likeness and may whatever I do or say, bring only glory to you and not bring shame to you. In Jesus’ name I pray.
