In terms of both resource and meaning, the life of faith is to reflect a "wisdom from above" (I Cor. 1:17-2:14; Js. 3:17). At the same time, God's gift of reason can oftentimes serve the interests of that wisdom. As one of my Bible College professors was wont to observe, "When Christ takes our sins, he does not take our sense."
Scripture offers numerous illustrations of the point. "The Sabbath was made for man," Jesus once noted, "and not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27). In other words, meaningful purpose inheres that which God requires of mankind. God does not arbitrarily create rules for mere rule's sake. For all their vaunted "spirituality," the Pharisees often missed this point.
On another occasion, Jesus found the exercise of reason a useful strategy in defending himself with regard to healing on the Sabbath: "Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good, or to do evil; to save life, or to destroy it" (Luke 6:9)? Interestingly, Matthew here notes his further appeal to logic in that if Sabbath related restriction can be suspended for the sake of a sheep in need, "Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep" (Matt. 12:11-12)?
Paul addresses the theme of objective rationale in writing the believers at Corinth. Some of their church's newer converts were yet struggling with the "pull" of recently abandoned idolatry. For those solidly grounded in the faith, such days were past. That pagan culture permeated all aspects of local life and custom, including the market place's practice of selling food earlier offered to idols in the local pagan temple, did little to undermine their faith. To those yet striving to sever ties with the past, however, the matter could present serious challenge.
Paul's answer: "Use common sense" (I Cor. 10:19-33). To participate in an idolatrous feast would obviously contradict one's testimony and commitment to Christ. More importantly, so doing could serve to undermine the weaker brother's resolve. If for no other reason, the believer should abstain. On the other hand, when purchasing groceries at the local market, or when an invited guest in another's home, one should not create - or seek to create - an issue over whether the dinner roast came from the local pagan temple via the meat market.
The point here is not compromise of essentials. There will be more than ample opportunity for the Corinthian believers to take a stand on issues vital to the faith. At the same time, there are areas wherein simple logic should obtain. After all, "When Christ took our sins, he did not take our sense."
Burl Ratzsch
