DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD

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.

Beginning in Chapter 8, and continuing through the subject chapter of his letter to the church at Corinth, Paul addressed a problem that seemed to be serious in nature to the church of Christ at the time it was written - the eating, and/or, the drinking of things offered as sacrifices to idols. Regarding this, Paul says that is lawful in the sight of God, but it may not be the expedient thing to do, because it may be offensive, rather than edifying, to others (Vs. 23 above). When purchasing meat in the shambles, that is, the market place, it is not necessary to question whether or not the meats had been previously offered as a sacrifice to idols (Vs. 25). Like all other provisions, sacrificial meats come from the earth (Vs. 26), and are given by God. There is no reproach in eating things provided by God as long as one is thankful for them, and that it does not become a stumbling block to other Christian brethren, that may be weak in understanding.

Eating and drinking things offered in sacrifice to idols is rarely a problem within the church of Christ today. Therefore, some Christians today may contend that such teaching doesn't apply to them. Yet it does indeed apply when Paul added the phrase, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. When one becomes a Christian, they cease to be self-serving and become the servants of God through Christ. As servants, one's entire conduct of life must be directed by the will of God. Duties of Christian servants are to be performed in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men (Eph. 6:5b-7). Doing the will of God from the heart, is glorifying God rather than mankind. To the church at Colosse, Paul had a similar admonition: And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ (Col. 3:23-24).

This same godly principal, not only applies to the things Christians do, but also to things that should not be done, in our conduct of life. In one short sentence, Paul tells us that, as servants of Christ, we are to abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thess. 5:22). Inherent in becoming a Christ is the confession of, and the avoidance of sin, in order to live a life of obedience to God. Obedience requires that we, not only abstain from doing evil, but that we also abstain from all appearance of (doing) evil. Many things we do in life may be similar to the eating of meats offered to idols. In, and of, itself, Paul tells us that, to do so is not sin. However, if others consider it to be improper, and may be offended, then to them it may appear as if we were doing an evil deed.

The books we read, clothes we wear, movies and sporting events we attend, restaurants in which we dine, businesses we cater to, as well as many other personal manners of conduct, we can, at times, be offensive to others. Our manner of conduct, as a Christian, is extremely important. It represents our service to God. It must be chosen with consideration to both God and others that observe our actions. Where at all possible, we must not offend other Christians. Reproach against the church of Christ must be avoided. Using Paul as the Christian example, the things we do are to be both profitable for ourselves as well as for the profit of many, that is, all others that observe our actions.

In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul wrote that the conduct of a Christian should be to provide for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men (2 Cor. 8:21). Christian workers are to conduct themselves in a manner that will give no offence in any thing, that the ministry (of Christ) be not blamed (See 2 Cor. 6:1-3). Paul has previously stated, in no uncertain terms, the reason these Christian responsibilities are required of God. It is because God owns every Christian - they are His servants. Paul writes: What? Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. The last phrase of the final verse of the lesson text tells us why this is necessary: that they may be saved. Well-intended, and just actions, if offensive, may cause weak Christians to forsake and abandon God, Christ their Savior, and the hope of their salvation. Christian, heed Paul's advice. Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God, ...that they may be saved!