Break The Huddle!
Life Lessons from 1 Corinthians, Chapter 10
We tend to “huddle” with those we feel most comfortable with or those who share our beliefs and attitudes about faith and life. If you are a Christian, you probably huddle with fellow believers and quite enjoy their company! But should you ever gather with unbelievers? Should you spend time with people who don’t share your same faith? Many might say “no” or think it may be detrimental to their own faith if they do.
In 1 Corinthians, Chapter 10, Paul gives the Corinthians the “go ahead” to spend time with unbelievers.
“If someone who isn’t a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience. 28 (But suppose someone tells you, “This meat was offered to an idol.” Don’t eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you. 29 It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks?” 1 Corinthians 10:27-29
Paul clarifies that it is ok to spend time with unbelievers and that our concern should be their good rather than our own. We should get to know them and avoid doing anything that makes them uncomfortable. Christians should be set apart and different from the world because of our relationship with Christ, but our behavior shouldn’t be offensive.
Before Jesus left his disciples and ascended to heaven, he gave them (and us) what we know as “The Great Commission.”
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
It goes without saying that believers can’t follow Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples” if we’re staying in our holy huddles.
We must mix and mingle with those who don’t know Christ so they can know Him.
Our supreme example is Christ, God himself in human form, who left heaven and came to earth and mingled among us so that we may know Him. He was more concerned with our good than his own, even to the point of sacrificing His life so that we may have forgiveness for our sins!
Paul ends Chapter 10 with the reminder that everything we do should please God and bring glory to Him. I can’t think of a better way to accomplish that than sharing Christ with others. So, break the holy huddle and get out there!
Heart Moment: How can you share Jesus with others today? Who can you share with that is outside of your holy huddle?
© 2022 Robin R King
