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!

 

The Story - Chapter 5 - Exodus 32-33

Safely Tucked Away

There is so much covered in these two Chapters, let’s concentrate this morning on Chapter 33. One of my favorite and most comforting verses is found here. Early in my walk, as I was just beginning to understand the power and glory of God and how it impacts and comforts the hearts of His people, I was comforted and strengthened by these words.

Exodus 33:21-22 (NKJV)
And the LORD said, "Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by.

At this point in history, Moses was heartbroken over the behavior of his people. They had rejected God who brought them out of their bondage. God wanted to leave them and Moses interceded, crying out to God. Moses could not imagine going forward without God leading.

For us to take a step onward without calling on God to go before us is foolish and dangerous. I remember a time when on a short-term mission trip to Honduras. Returning from dinner and heading back to the lodging supplied for us required walking an unfamiliar path. It was night and very dark and I foolishly forgot my flashlight. I remember feeling my way along the path, praying I would not trip and fall, knowing the trail was steep.

At one point, I saw a light in the distance and decided to wait until it got closer before taking another step. As soon as the person with the light neared, I could see my way and moved forward with confidence, trusting I would be ok now. It is this I remember every time I read how God sheltered Moses in His light, His Glory. This is a weak analogy, but serves its purpose for this believer.

I will never consider moving into the unknown without calling out to God to light the way. I know the darkness can be navigated safely with a source of light nearby.

Read Exodus 32-33 here

Listen to Exodus 32-33 here