In 1 Corinthians, Paul counsels believers not to eat food offered to idols. To a Western mind, these verses might seem pretty outdated, but in fact they are still very relevant in many parts of the world. Every member of the Adventist Church here in Natitingou deals with this very thing when they go to their home villages. Before a meal, their parents make sacrifices to some demon or ancestor. Anyone who eats the food accepts the sacrifice and effectively declares allegiance to the spiritual power.

Even in the States, many Christian immigrants live in trepidation of their next visit to their home country, knowing they cannot prevent their relatives from making food sacrifices. They are faced with a difficult decision about whether to give in and eat the food or risk alienating their family.

May God give strength and wisdom to those who deal with this in their lives.

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