LEARNING DAILY

 

1 Corinthians 10:23-24, 31, All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. Therefore, whether you eat or drink, do all to the glory of God.

 

I am going to add another thought for each of us to grow our faith and to advance a little further on the road to the kingdom of God. As Christians we need to do everything we can to protect ourselves and one another from influences that would prevent us from becoming less than what God wants us to be. Paul was addressing an issue that is still misunderstood by some today. Being a Christian does not mean we can do anything we want because we are under God’s grace. No, we are not free to do anything we want. Just because most things are okay under the law and are not sinful in themselves, Christians must apply a different standard in order to best apply their freedom. Paul gives us an additional thought about the things we do. Is it helpful? Does it edify or improve who I am or who others are? Yes, legally we may have a right to do something, the problem occurs when the circumstances around it might make it sin.  The warning for us is to consider whether we are promoting the welfare of ourselves and others before we act.

 

As Believers, we do not have a series of do’s and don’ts to live by. We have God’s Word that very clearly outlines the lives He expects us to live. One pastor we listened to spoke about convictions; there could be things God would convict us were wrong for us personally. Even though something might not be sinful, doing “it” might give another who saw “it” being done might cause them to misunderstand and sin. It is important to remember God is holy and He expects His followers to be holy as well. We are to be set apart and living the way He shows us in His Word. We are to not to be legalists in the way we live but living our lives so others are edified.

 

God did not save any of us for our own benefit; He wants us to live our life to benefit others. How can we bring the Good News (the best news ever goes the song) to others? What do we do that others might see and cause them to not believe the gospel? What can we do to show the love of Jesus Christ and show others He can be trusted to do what He has said? What can we do to show God’s love, goodness and kindness to others. It is amazing that when we are busy doing this that we will not have such a strong need to be self-centered.

 

One last thought. We should do all we do for the glory of God! This summarizes what has been said into an important principle that should guide each of our choices. As Believers, each of us should be motivated to bring glory to God in everything we do. Paul has given us a lot of ways to use our freedom in Christ. The question we can ask ourselves is do I use my freedom to gain material wealth, position or my pleasure. As a believer, everything I do should bring glory to God.

 

Be an encourager to others by the way you live your life. It is amazing to me how many are watching you to see if you live what you profess.