1 Corinthians 8:9 AMPC
9 Only be careful that this power of choice (this permission and liberty to do as you please) which is yours, does not [somehow] become a hindrance (cause of stumbling) to the weak or over scrupulous [giving them an impulse to sin].
I am sure you have someone you admire and look up to. Maybe you admire their character or how they dress or how they treat their family. The truth is, someone is always watching. Someone is watching you and looking up to you just as you are watching another and looking up to them We are an example whether we know it or not.
Paul urges the believers who are strong in faith that as they exercise their liberty to do as they please eating food offered to idols because they have the understanding that the idols are dead, man made things, they should ensure that this action does not become a stumbling block to other believers still weak in their faith.
What we do does not just affect us but others around us who are consistently observing us because to them we are the practical standard they look at to know how to live a Godly life.
This reminds me of what Paul told Timothy;
1 Timothy 4:12 AMPC
12 Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example (pattern) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
These may seem like very simple words but they carry a heavy responsibility. Someone is always listening to how we speak. If someone repeated to us all the words we spoke in a typical day, would we be encouraged and uplifted by our words or would we want to hide?
What about our conduct, the way we behave? This is not in church when we have our Sunday Clothes on and our Sunday attitude but rather, the rest of the week when we interact with people who step on our toes and do us wrong. Do we demonstrate the love of God in the way we interact with others especially those who do not agree with us?
What about purity? Do we consume questionable content and are we demonstrating a walk of purity.
When you think about all this as I said, it sounds simple but the responsibility it carries is enormous. May God help us to be good examples and good ambassadors of the kingdom
Reflections
What are some lawful things that you think a strong believer can engage in but it could destabilize and confuse a young believer?
What testimony do you have in your neighborhood or your place of work, does your conduct demonstrate your faith?
Does the knowledge that someone is watching you as an example make you think twice about the things you say and do?
How about the knowledge that God is not just watching but he lives in you?
