All For the Glory of God

1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

…Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (v. 31) pretty much sums things up for Christians.  It’s our bottom line - or at least, it should be.

In today’s passage, Paul addresses the idea that people believe they have the right to do anything they want.  While it’s true we have our own free will and CAN choose what we want, it doesn’t mean we SHOULD.  As he says, our choices are not always beneficial or constructive.

Humans make some really bad decisions, especially when they don’t have faith as a guiding force. Even seasoned believers, when left to their own devices, can really screw things up.  It’s so easy to get caught up in the ME, ME, ME world.  Everything seems to point back to us.  We work to better ourselves, to make money for ourselves, to take care of ourselves, but we’re missing the point.

Life is not meant for self, it is meant for others and the glory of God.  Ugh! But that means I have to stop and think about others first and consider their well-being over mine?!

Paul was all about the ME life before he made a complete turnaround in his thinking.  Once he knew the power of salvation, he couldn’t help but want to share what he’d learned with others.  Now, not all of us have a fall on the ground, blinding light kind of conversion, but once our eyes are opened to Christ’s transforming power, it’s hard not to want to share it with others.

Paul followed the ultimate example of Christ and in turn wanted the people in Corinth to follow his example.  This is what discipleship looks like.  One person inviting another to follow their lead towards Christ. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved (v. 33).

May we all lead by example and whatever we do, do it all for the glory of God.  What a wonderful world it would be, without all the ME, ME, ME!

 

Going to College is a Lot Like Being a Christian ... Really?!

I really enjoyed leaving home and going to college. I was free to do whatever I wanted. I could stay up as late as I wanted. I could eat anytime I wanted. Best of all, I no longer had to keep my room tidy.

 

Yes, I was free, but the problem was I had a task to accomplish. I had to go to class and keep my grades up, although this was something I wanted to do.

There were many times when I would have rather stayed up late watching a movie or goofing off instead of working on a project or studying for a test. I had to “curb” my freedom to do well at school..

 

I learned fairly quickly that I could do whatever I wanted, but it better not interfere with my task of getting an education.

 

Today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1. Paul is reminding the Christians of Corinth that they are free from sin, and more specifically, free from keeping the all aspects of the Law. In effect, he tells them that with freedom comes responsibility.  

 

Christians have tasks – Christ given tasks. All are important, but the one that is worth mentioning is to evangelize. This assignment was given to us in the Great Commission. Christ told us to, “go and make disciples of all nations.”

 

Christians are free to do what they want, but they also have tasks to accomplish. To be more effective, sometimes Christians have to curb their freedom. Paul makes the point, “Do not cause anyone to stumble.” Our actions should attract people to Christ, not repel them.

 

I was free to do what I wanted, but I had to do well in my classes.

 

Christians, likewise, are free, but we have to well in our assignments.

 

Going to college is a lot like being a Christian … Really!