THINK TOGETHER
When you hear the word “glory” what comes to mind?
READ TOGETHER
The Christians in Corinth sure did like to argue and fight. Do you remember what they were arguing about? One of the things that made them disagree was meat offered to idols. Idols are statues of false gods that the people would worship. Some of the Christians said YES we can eat the meat offered to idols. Others said NO we can’t eat the meat offered to idols. The Apostle Paul said this:
1 Corinthians 10:31. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
Can we eat the meat? Yes. Can we avoid the meat? Yes. As long as whatever you do is done for God’s glory. But what does it mean to do something for God’s glory? It means to do it from love for others. We glorify God when we love others.
Paul will also tell the Corinthian Christians that the most important thing is to not “offend others.” That means don’t ask others do something that they think is wrong. He tells them to always put others first and do what is best for them. And when we put others first we are putting God first. We are glorifying God.
This is exactly what Jesus did – he glorified the Father by putting us first. He died for us on the cross so that we wouldn’t be trapped in our sins forever. He gave up his freedom to make us free. Now we can give up what we want to do in order to make sure others don’t do what they don’t want to do. And when we live for others like Jesus did, we are living for God and his glorious love.
As you grow up you will see that it’s not always easy to call things “right or wrong.” There are many things that are up to each Christian to decide for themselves. But most important is love. Love will never ask another person to do something that they feel is wrong. It will always put others first, just like Jesus did.
Because of Jesus we are free to make our own decisions on some things.
With Jesus we can always choose what is best for others first.
DO SOMETHING TOGETHER
Think through some example of things that might be “right” for some but “wrong” for others. Have you encountered some things that other families do or don’t do that is different from your family? How can you still love this other family?
PRAY TOGETHER
Jesus, you gave up your freedom for us so that we could be free. Help me to be able to give up things for others so that they aren’t offended by what I do. Amen.
TLICfamily 