God’s Glory

31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything (all) for God’s glory. 32 Give no offense to the Jews or the Greeks or the church of God, 33 just as I (Apostle Paul) also try to please all people (everyone) in all things (everything), not seeking my own profit (what is best for me), but the profit of many (best for others), that they may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 (HCSB).

Jesus Christ summed up our aim in life:  love God and love people (Matthew 22:34-40).  The Apostle Paul reinstates Jesus Christ’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 10:31-33 and also summarizes two principles that are to guide everyone’s behavior or ethic: (1) do everything for God’s glory (see also Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11); and (2) try to please all people by not seeking our own benefit first (1 John 2:10). In other words, the Apostle Paul teaches that our behavior should be guided by what glorifies God and what is good for others rather than our own personal benefit or privilege (cp. Romans 14:13-15, 19-21; Romans 15:1-2). The Apostle Paul's gauge for all his movements was not what is best for him, but what will bring God’s glory and what is best for others.

Everything we do in life must have an aim of God’s glory. God owns everything and He desires our complete allegiance, faith, and obedience in Him as our God. Even more, God wants everything we do, even our eating and drinking, to bring Him glory. Moreover, God wants us to love others and not harm nor hurt them in anyway. God's love must fill our hearts and motives so that we do all for God’s glory and what is best for others.

Jesus has given all Christians freedom; however, He did not give this freedom to hurt another person and seek our own satisfaction. Instead, Jesus taught we are to do good to others by being considerate and sensitive of everyone’s feelings and needs even if it means giving up our rights for the sake of others. The attitude that pleases God is not a "me first'' and "look out for number one'' attitude but an attitude and goal to love God and love others. We all must put aside self-pleasing actions for the sake of genuinely loving God and loving others. So, in making a decision or facing any situation ask, “Will this action bring glory to God?” and “Will this decision hurt or harm another person?”