1 Corinthians 8:8

But meat commendeth us not to God: for neither, if we eat, are we the better; neither, if we eat not, are we the worse (KJV)

Then: Paul's teaching continues on from the principle of love, honoring the conscience of another above one's own. Paul points out that the actual behavior of the stronger Christian is not an essential service to the Lord. The good news is not diminished or strengthened. MacClaren discusses the importance of taking into account the weakness of other Christians. In not eating the meat, the Corinthians are not abandoning a duty or action which results in spiritual progress.

Now: The verse provides a second question. What is the eternal result of my not performing a specific act in my own spiritual life? It could be possible - as in the case of Dobson reading stacks and stack of porn material while on a presidential commission - that someone else would say, "He did. I can." But if Dobson had not participated in the report, a Christian with a weaker conscience may have been called upon. A weak report could have been produced. Quick answers are not useful. Prayer is.

Extra sources: Expositions of Holy Scripture: Romans and Corinthians by Alexander MacLaren (ca 1880) online at http://www.ccel.org/ccel/maclaren/rom_cor.iii.xv.html