All To The Glory Of God
It is a widely held opinion that former president Trump meets the classic definition of a narcissist (one who thinks very highly of themself, needs admiration, believes that others are inferior and lacks empathy for others). While you may be ok with that as a character trait, Paul told the Corinthian church that Christians are to be the opposite of narcissists (1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1). They were to think not just of themselves, but of others. It was not ok to do something if their actions caused their fellow believers to stumble. And they were not to seek their own glory in their actions but “do it all to the glory of God”. I pray this week that whatever differences that we may have in our lives or in the life of the church, that we may seek to do first that which will bring God the glory. Amen
Click here to listen to Andrae Crouch and choir singing “To God Be The Glory”
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24) In Christ we have been freed from the shackles of sin. But, the question is what should we do with that freedom that comes with our salvation. Is it a “hall pass” to do whatever we want to do? Paul redirects our focus in his response to the issue in the Corinthian church surrounding the eating of meat that may have been sacrificed to idols. Instead of Christian’s trying to determine what they can get away with doing, Paul instructed them that while something might be permissible… the Christian’s primary concern should be whether or not it edifies (builds up) you and other Christians around you.
Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for? (1 Corinthians 10:25-30) A common blessing at the Jewish dining table was Psalm 24:1 (“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it”). Paul used this scripture and its familiarity to Jewish Christians to make the point that eating sacrificed meat was not the issue for Christians. The issue that Paul had spoken against previously (1 Cor. 10:14-22), was that Christians were not to fellowship and eat with pagans in their temple ritual surrounding sacrificing the meat to idols. (i.e. Ok to eat the meat; not ok to eat it as part of the sacrificial ritual). However, even in situations where it might be ok to eat the sacrificed meat, if eating it caused a problem with another person’s conscience (i.e. it doesn’t edify), then Paul’s message to Christians was…. don’t do it!
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God — even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1) “…do it all for the glory of God.”. Paul offered this last principle as a summary of his guidance on the subject of permissible food to eat. But it is applicable principle for us beyond just the issue of food. It goes to the heart of what our Christian guide should be as we enjoy the freedom that we have in Christ. Freedom from the Law and religious tradition. Even where we have the freedom to do something, we must be comfortable answering the questions: “does it cause my brother or sister to stumble?” and “does it bring God glory?” Your answers to these questions have eternal implications. Because as Paul alluded to…. someone’s salvation may be at stake!
The Corinthian church had a number of disputes with regard to how to live out their Christian faith. Paul responded to a number of these issues in his letters to this church. Having established the church at Corinth, he especially did not want to see any of them fall away from their faith. His responses are still useful and have application for us individually and within our congregations. Disputes between Christians will arise about how best to handle matters in our lives and in the life of the church. What we do, identifies whether we are being led by the Holy Spirit as Christians or acting in the flesh like the world. Jesus’ lasting commandment to us is to love one another as He has loved us (John 15:13-13). He sacrificed it all for us, so that we should be saved and that His Father would get the glory. If we are truly followers of Christ, then our actions should be likewise. Let us love one another in whatever we do…. and let it all be to the glory of God!
Blessings, Rev. Glenn
