SOME BASIC CHRISTIANITY
1 CORINTHIANS 10:31-33
1 CORINTHIANS 10:31-33 NKJ
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.
Here Paul is talking to the church at Corinth about how their life intersects with others. One of the major principles of our lives in Christ is that we do not live for ourselves. We live for God, and we live with others in mind.
In an angry, self-centered, me-first world, this kind of Christian living is a huge contrast. And yet, it is one of the primary ways we show ourselves to be followers of Christ.
We do everything to the glory of God. This verse lived out would alter our behavior on so many levels.
We live not to offend the people around us. Just living for Jesus will be offensive to some nonbelievers. But Paul is talking about being conscious of others and their experience in life. We are not seeking what is best for us but what is best for others. The principal big purpose behind our actions toward others is that they may be saved.
Paul had to learn to reach Gentiles with the gospel. He was raised as a very strict Pharisee and so to adapt to other cultures had to be a challenge. But he did adapt. He never preached Jewish law to Gentiles. He reached them with the message of grace. But when it came to the Jews, Paul would reason with them from scriptures. Paul lived with others in mind so that he could save as many as possible. This is basic Christianity.
APPLICATION
It's too easy to divide over differences. Our role as believers is to reach as many as we can with the gospel, not point out where we think they are wrong. When we divide over politics and philosophical differences, we may make our point yet lose our voice. We can reach people without sinning or violating our conscience or our values. We can live big for Christ and love people. We can present healing answers in a hurting world.
PRAYER
Dear Father,
Show me how I can glorify You and reach the people around me. Show me how I can bring encouragement to the down and hope to the despairing. Please use me to reach others for You.