Who Do You Idolize?

Written By Betty Predmore

1 CORINTHIANS 10: 14-33

(August 16)

I love watching shows like The Voice and American Idol. I love the competition, the back stories of the contestants, and the song choices.

The whole premise of either show is for fans to fall in love with a certain contestant, vote for them throughout the competition, and hope that they end up the winner.

In other words, we are to fixate on our favorite contestant (or coach, in my case...TEAM BLAKE!) for the duration of the season, putting them on a "pedestal" as our favorite. Another word for favorite ... IDOL. (Hence the name American Idol... wink!)

Maybe you don't watch those shows. Maybe you fixate your time and thoughts on a particular family member or friend. Or maybe you are like my mom...she is still sure she will run into Elvis at a local fast-food joint someday.

This was going on to a much more serious degree during the time of Paul's letter to the Corinthians. He was truly concerned about it. He warned them time and time again and gave them the freedom to choose to believe him. Paul considered them to be reasonable people, and he also considered them to be "one body" with him as fellow believers.

The Jews and Christians also believed they would find unity and fellowship with God through the eating of a sacrifice. In Old Testament days, eating some of the sacrifice you were offering for your sins was a way to restore your unity with God.

In Paul's day, Christians participated in Christ's one-for-all sacrifice when they ate of the bread and drank from the cup, symbolizing the body and blood of Jesus.

The message Paul is giving them is that you have to choose ... God or idols. You can't drink from the cup of both or eat at the Lord's table and with demons. Even though you may think you are "allowed" to do things, that doesn't mean you actually should or that it will benefit you.

Paul's suggestion is that the believers are not concerned about themselves, but about others. They should have no fear of eating with an unbeliever, as to not hurt their feelings. There are no limitations on what we can eat, as long as that, and all we do are done to the glory of God. And as long as our actions don't cause another to stumble.

When we choose to do what is best for others instead of ourselves, we open the door for others to see our kindness and to be saved.

Saved...just like our favorite contestant might get saved and go on to the next round of competition. That's exciting stuff! But not as exciting as a life with Jesus!

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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