TO THE GLORY OF GOD
1 Corinthians 10:31-33 NKJV
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.
Paul was mission-minded and mission-driven. His aim was to reach people and bring them to salvation. This mission was a result of an early mandate. When Paul had his first encounter with the Lord on the road to Damascus, the Lord spoke to him. Jesus told Paul that his mission in life was to go to the Gentiles and open their eyes so that they could receive the salvation that came through faith in Christ. Paul reveals what the Lord says to him in Acts 26:12-18. So, from the beginning of his walk with Christ, Paul had a mission, a vision.
As Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, he is giving them some insight as to their mission in life. Even though the vast majority of these believers were not called to preach the gospel to the nations, they still had a calling. They were still called to reach people for Christ. Paul was not interested in the geo-political world of his day. He rarely mentioned governmental authorities. Paul was engaged in reaching people and wanted the Corinthians to do the same.
Do whatever you do to the glory of God. Remember, it was Paul who had a revelation that we are the body of Christ representing Him on the earth. His understanding of our position and role because we are united with Christ was on a higher level than any other leader of that day. So, Paul continues to emphasize how believers are to act and why.
Doing everything for God’s glory, not personal achievement, making a sincere effort to not be offensive to the people around them, and endeavoring to seek the welfare of others so that they might be saved—this was the way Paul conducted his life and the way he encouraged the believers in Corinth to live. Paul understood the freedom that is in Christ. But he was encouraging the church to not revel in their freedom but to be conscious of how their lives impacted those around them.
APPLICATION
If we simply took the Lord’s admonition to do everything we do to the glory of God, how many decisions would be made for us? And how many problems would be eliminated? This is certainly living on a higher level, but having something big to shoot for is good for all of us.
And if our desire was to please others for their profit, in order to reach them, or influence them for Christ, how many relational challenges would be solved? One of the biggest problems we all face is the desire to please ourselves. Selfishness is relational poison. But what if this was our goal? Glorify God and seek what is profitable for others. We never go wrong going God’s way!
PRAYER
Lord, may I glorify You in all I do. And may I grow in seeking to please others for their benefit in order to draw them closer to You.