Diet and Friends - Part 1

“For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol's temple, won't he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? “
1 Cor 8:10
 
In this chapter, Paul builds a bridge between our diet and our spiritual journey.  In his day, the believers were wondering if they should attend parties or enjoy foods that had been sacrificed to idols.  In summary, Paul draws two relevant conclusions. 
 
First, we have one God (the Father) for whom we live, and one Lord (Jesus Christ) through whom we live.  Even the food that was offered to an idol can be enjoyed if one understands that that god doesn’t even exist! 
 
Secondly, a believer should not eat any food which violates his or her own conscience, or if it causes another believer to stumble into sin.  Basically, if you feel bad about doing it, then you shouldn’t, and if you cause someone else to struggle in their faith, then you should lay down that freedom for the sake of Christ. 
 
When your son or daughter leaves your presence, how do you know if they make wise choices in regards to the food they eat, or the way they treat their personal health?  What influence do their peers have on their behavior in your absence? 
 
Whether the issue is food or any other personal health decision, we want our children to grow in the principle that Paul puts forth in this letter. 
 
First, encourage your child to consider the question “Is there a choice that is obviously right in this situation?”  Elisabeth Elliot once commented that sometimes we say we are struggling with things, or trying to ‘work through them’ when we are really just delaying obedience.  In situations at home, ask your child, “What is the right thing to do?”  If he or she makes the right choice with you, it is more likely he or she will choose rightly anywhere.  This addresses the issue of violating personal conscience. 
 
Second, encourage your child to think about the effect of their behavior on others.  Even if your son or daughter doesn’t struggle with weight or body-type issues, encourage him or her to be considerate of a friend who might struggle in this way when choosing a place to go eat.  We begin to touch on the essence of Christian love when we stop to consider, “Even if this is alright for me, how might my actions influence someone else?”  Laying down a personal right – to food or anything other freedom – is a beautiful way to show consideration for those around us.