Associations

“But I have a few complaints against you. You tolerate some among you whose teaching is like that of Balaam, who showed Balak how to trip up the people of Israel. He taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin. [Revelation 2.14]

John the revelator is recording the words of Jesus in the Book of the Revelation of John. I want to focus today on the phrase, "...taught them to sin by eating food offered to idols and by committing sexual sin" found in Jesus' complaint with the Church in Pergamum.

But, before I do, I want to point out that nearly exact wording is found in the description of what was wrong with the Church in Thyatira

“But I have this complaint against you. You are permitting that woman—that Jezebel who calls herself a prophet—to lead my servants astray. She teaches them to commit sexual sin and to eat food offered to idols. [Revelation 2.20]

Again, "...sexual sin and eat[ing] food offered to idols..." is found to be a problem.

Sexual sin seems to be a problem that the world has had in perpetuity. Like today, the Bible records throughout history that mankind has had a recurring problem with sexual deviance. From adultery to the gross perversions of homosexuality, sexual sins remain a common condition even today.

But, what is it about "...food offered to idols..." that is a problem? This "problem" is first discussed in the the book of Acts by the early church leaders. Once confronted with the idea of Gentiles being included in God's salvation provided by Jesus, these early church leaders gave this instruction:

Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from eating food offered to idols, from sexual immorality, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from consuming blood. [Acts 15.20]

You must abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. If you do this, you will do well. Farewell.” [Acts 15.29]

“As for the Gentile believers, they should do what we already told them in a letter: They should abstain from eating food offered to idols, from consuming blood or the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.” [Acts 21.25]

Of course, these references to "food offered to idols" are all tied to Old Covenant rules concerning what is and what is not acceptable for adherents to the Law to consume as food. Food that had been part of the worship of anyone or anything other than God Almighty was strictly forbidden by God's Law for consumption by God's people. The most direct OT reference for this Exodus 34.15:

“You must not make a treaty of any kind with the people living in the land. They lust after their gods, offering sacrifices to them. They will invite you to join them in their sacrificial meals, and you will go with them. [Exodus 34.15]

It doesn't seem that the actual act of eating food offered to idols is as much a problem as the "relaxed" mindset that accompanies it. In other words, if one will eat food offered to idols, what will prevent that same person from going ahead and engaging in all the other godless activities that food is associated with (sexual sins, worshiping false gods, etc.)? In most cases, food offered to idols is associated with gross sexual misconduct (according to Bible standards).

The Apostle Paul felt confident that eating food offered to idols was not, in and of itself, a problem. However, Paul was very clear that "conscience" was a factor and that we are all responsible not only for not violating our own conscience,but also for not violating the conscience of others (read 1 Corinthians chapters 8 and 10).

Bottom line: if we have the knowledge that food we are about to eat has been part of idol worship, then everyone is better served if we simply refuse to eat it.

In today's society, it is not likely most of us will actually encounter food being served anywhere that has previously been associated with actual idol worship as we think of it. However, we may do well to at least consider "associations" when we eat. Might this cause us to consider the publicized social stances of large food chains or food producers?

What if any popular fast food chain publicly announces they embrace homosexuality? Is it right or wrong (or indifferent) to patronize that food chain?

Let me ask another question. What if a major drug company promotes what Bible believers know to be sexual sin? Is it wrong for that believer to take that company's drugs?

And still further, what about wearing clothes manufactured and marketed by companies openly promoting what the Bible says is wrong?

What about driving cars manufactured by companies that support sinful and immoral activities?

Oh, now we have opened "Pandora's Box," haven't we?

How much does our ignoring of the associations questioned above affect or limit our walk with God?

Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. [2 Corinthians 6.17]

Father, help me to see any and everything in my life that could be a stumbling block for another. Help me to live with a good conscience - doing whatever is necessary to promote Your Kingdom and denounce any and all others...