Scripture: Josh. 15-17; 1 Cor. 8

1 Corinthians 8:7b We need to be sensitive to the fact that we’re not all at the same level of understanding in this. Some of you have spent your entire lives eating “idol meat,” and are sure that there’s something bad in the meat that then becomes something bad inside of you. An imagination and conscience shaped under those conditions isn’t going to change overnight.

Observations: Discipleship is not the same for everyone. We each bring our notions of right and wrong to the table of fellowship and grace. Paul recognizes the difficulty involved in change, and rightly chooses not to expect it overnight. But expect it, he does.

Application: I’ve always been a change agent. I’ve often moved too fast for the wrong reasons. Change is difficult for most people. And as I become older, it becomes more difficult for me. So I suppose it is easier for me to slow down in my efforts to bring about life-altering change. But change we must. There are so many opportunities for us, but they are beyond our grasp without allowing God to shape us into the people he needs us to be.

Prayer: Lord, teach us to be moldable and pliable. Help us to bend so that we do not break. And please give me the grace to be patient with those who are slow to change and quick to resist. In Christ’s name I ask these things, Amen.