How often do we think to ourselves, “Will this thing I do bring praise to the Lord?” Speaking for myself, not as often as I should. We have a tendency many times to do what is best for us. We live in a very materialistic world where there’s great concern if we don’t have “things” or we aren’t entertained some how. And when we think of charity, how often do we think of a charitable act as giving money to someone when it is their soul that needs the Charity of God? Not that charitable giving is wrong; on the contrary. We ought to give money to those in need. But understanding that Christian living can’t be boiled down to how much money we give. Nor can Christianity be summarized by how just our good intentions are.
Paul gets down to “brass tacks” in the latter part of 1 Corinthians 10. As Christians, everything we do should promote the honor and praise of God. Let’s look at the final three verses.
1 Corinthians 10:31-33 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”
Paul has been talking specifically to the Corinthians church about eating meat which had been offered to idols. But here in verse 31 he clarifies that that was just an example of how they ought to lead their whole lives. No matter what we eat or drink or whatever (encompassing everything) we do, make sure it glorifies the Lord. Try to think of these verses beyond financial aspect. Paul here is talking about charitable living, not charitable giving. In verse 33, Paul mentions profits. But he’s not talking about money. God doesn’t need your money when He asks for your tithe; he needs your heart and your willingness to follow Him. God parted the Red Sea without Moses taking up an offering.
Paul gives us a DO and a DON’T in verses 31 and 32.
Do glorify God with whatever you do.
Don’t block the road for those who God is calling (“give none offence”).
Paul talks about you causing “profits of many”. These are not material things but immaterial things. These are profits which you give with your life (things you choose to do, and things you choose not to do). Let’s make a more conscious effort to think of our lives as opportunities to bring others to Christ.
To learn more about 1 Corinthians 10, follow this link.
