“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (KJV)
Have you ever noticed how some people (professing Christians are sometimes the worst) demand that things should be done their way. No consideration of the opinions of others. No patience with others. No thought of how their attitude and behavior affects the gospel of Christ. They somehow try to draw a line between their worship or ministry at church and their public or personal lives. Such a demarcation is impossible. That’s right; one cannot separate one’s religious beliefs from one’s personal and public life.
On this beautiful September morning, while the sun is shining and the birds are singing praise to God, consider the words of Paul to the saints at Corinth. In chapter eight, verse 1, the Apostle refers to their question about issues concerning idol worship, particularly eating anything offered in sacrifice to idols (8:4). The central issue for the Christian is the singularity of divinity — there is only One God and One Lord. Yet, there is a varying degree of maturity in the knowledge of Christians. So, the mature Christian must be considerate of a less mature believer. The reason? We are responsible for our influence on their lives. Even apostolic leaders are not exempt from this responsibility. In fact, Paul claims that a leader has the same rights as every other believer, but must be an example to the saints. One’s personal “rights” must not be allowed to hinder the gospel (9:12). Remember, the questions dealt with what a believer could and could not do concerning things offered in sacrifice to idols. The leader’s liberty was no different than the ordinary believer’s. So Paul is not differentiating between leaders and laity. Rather, he is showing the correct attitude and behavior of all believers at all times . . . private or public. The conscientious believer will sacrifice personal liberties in order to serve others and gain more people to the Kingdom of God (9:18-19). Instead of demanding liberties and rights, the believer does whatever is necessary to influence others for Christ (9:20-22); for the Gospel’s sake (9:23)!
That is why Paul controls himself and practices self-control daily; so that his behavior will not defeat his ministry and message (9:27). It frightens me to think of how many times my behavior may have blotted out my preaching. The Apostle continues for all of chapter ten broadening his response to their question and giving examples of how Christian liberty must not be abused or distorted relative to others . . . believer or non-believer. In terms of behavior, public or private, we should consider the impact it has on the glory of God, believers, unbelievers, and the Church of God. Consider that our attitudes and actions will impact the salvation of others (10:31-33). Don’t we want them to be saved?
Dear Father, thank you for our liberty in Christ. Empower us with the attitudes Paul exhibited. Enable us to bring glory to you through our practices. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you do all for the glory of God,