1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Are you weary? Do you feel like you have nothing left to give? Have you felt like you have had more dealings with wrestling issues this week compared to other weeks? Do you think your expectations are higher than everyone else’s at work and realize that is why you are feeling frustrated? I have to remind and direct myself back in knowing that every aspect of the Christian life can be melted down to one point – do all to honor God – and the parallel verse is found in Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” I know if I would remember that this is all God requires me to do, I would not get as frustrated with various circumstances and people.
In 1 Cor. 10, Paul has just talked about do’s and don’t’s of eating meat that was possibly sacrificed to idols, in relation to the Corinthian’s conscience in that set time and culture. It was a controversial issue. Putting it in today’s time, he is talking about legalism and what is permitted versus what is beneficial. The food was never the issue. Paul states there is liberty within the limits of love. It is essential to differentiate between judgmental attitudes, pride, verbal attacks, slander, and strive to have pure motives, and humbly demonstrate Christ-like love. Often due to our various popular media forums, I am hit in the face with the lack of love and grace shown by the Christian community put out there at times in public media. That saddens me greatly. In Paul’s day, Jews and Gentiles had separations. The same is still going on today within the Christian community. Paul lived so as not to offend. He did not flaunt his liberty in front of the Jews, nor did he impose the law on the Gentiles. God hates all unrighteousness.
The purpose of our life is simply to glorify God. Our behavior, whatever we do, should be done to bring honor and praise back to God. Paul quotes Psalm 27:1 in 1 Cor. 10:26, which was used as a Jewish blessing at mealtimes, and Paul applies it to this controversial situation: “For the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” David wrote this Psalm when he was in great danger because Saul and his men were trying to kill him. David was not ignoring his severe circumstances, but he was looking at them through heaven’s point of view. His faith and obedience were based on a faithful God that provides protection and deliverance.
Have you recently sat before the Lord, poured out everything – every detail, everything that is on your heart? Give Him your anxieties, fears, and concerns. Do so right now as you sit in God’s presence. Get it all out. Now sit still and wait for Him to talk to you (Be still – Ps. 37:7 and Ps. 46:10). What did God say to you? What verse did He bring up in your mind? The more you read, study, and learn from the Word of God, the more you will be able to recognize God’s voice when He speaks truth into your heart and mind – igniting hope. Write down in a journal what you sensed you heard God say to you so you can be reminded of God’s presence in your life. Prayer is not a technique; it is simply a conversation with God.
If you have done your best from the wisdom and knowledge God has given you, then commit it to God and ask Him to make you of benefit. Leave it there. He will work out the outcome through other people He connects you to, or whatever means He wants the action required to transpire. God has no limitations. He is Jehovah Jirah – the Lord will provide. He is the master networker.
Thank God for the grace He has given you. Are you desperately in need of a blessing? Ask Him for it. Then live heartily, passionately, and freely, all for God’s glory! God is always faithful.
Listen to MeryMe Grace Got You (Official Lyric Video) YouTube.