All For The Glory Of God

August 1

Ezra 9-10

Psalm 87

Proverbs 19:15-16

I Corinthians 10

All For The Glory Of God

“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  Give no offense either to Jews or Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved.” I Corinthians 10:31-33 LSB

This passage is a part of Paul’s teaching about liberty versus legalism that we have looked at several times in the last few days.  Again here, Paul is stressing that Christians are free from the Law and the many rules and regulations of the Jews.  However, he is stressing that our main concern should not be in doing whatever we want, but rather on the impact our actions may have on others.  We should be aware of those around us, particularly those who are weaker in their faith or who are seeking Jesus and have not come to faith in Him yet.  If we bear the name of Christ as a Christian, we have a responsibility to walk in a manner worthy of that name.  Christ modeled a life of love and sacrifice.  Instead of living based on our selfish desires, motives and interests,  we should exhibit love and wisdom so that we can help others come to faith in Jesus and then grow in that relationship.  Those we meet come from a variety of  religious backgrounds and may have different spiritual beliefs.  It is important that we approach our interactions with them with prayer and discernment as we point them to God’s Word for truth and clarity. Instead of focusing our attention on whether or not we can do something, we should be thinking about whether what we want to do will glorify God.  Will my actions bring other people closer to Jesus?  Will they be a stumbling block to someone or cause them to question their faith?   

While Paul is talking about specific regulations concerning food sacrificed to idols, this principle can be applied to many areas of our lives.  Paul is making it clear that everything we do should be done for the glory of God.  Our primary concern and motive should be to bring glory to God in our relationships, work, leisure activities, spiritual life and everything else we do.  We cannot separate the “spiritual” part of our lives from all the other areas.  God is a part of every aspect of our lives.  We should be the same person at work on Monday that we are at church on Sunday.  Our decisions, words, and actions should represent Jesus to the world wherever we are.  Our freedom in Christ is not a license to do whatever we want.  The Holy Spirit dwelling in us gives us the freedom from the selfishness that results from the bondage of sin.  His presence allows us to set aside our own desires and interests in obedience and love.  We are able to act differently because we are different.  “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.  Blind Pharisee!  First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.”  Matthew 23:25-26 NIV  Let’s strive for inner transformation and not just external obedience.