Introduction
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Our Bible verse for today is part of a letter that Paul wrote to the church in Corinth. He wrote this after hearing that there were two major problems in this body of new believers: (1) they were engaged in unhealthy sexual practices, and (2) they were being misled by leaders in the church to continue with the things the Gentiles used to do before they were saved, like sacrifice to devils, and not to God.
Paul found it necessary to remind these Christians that they would continue to be offered opportunities to spend time with those that have not believed on the Lord Jesus for salvation. And with that comes times when they might be sitting down to supper with someone who offers them meat that was previously offered to idols. In the two verses following verse 31 he reminds them that they should be careful not to offend anyone including Jews, Gentiles nor the church of God.
We can learn from what Paul was teaching the Corinthians. We can apply it to our own life. So then, we should heed his message that as Christians we should do everything to the glory of God. But what else does God want from us (me)? As we walk with the Lord the Holy Spirit produces fruit that helps us to do all things to God’s glory and the Bible has much to say about that. Let’s take a look.
God wants us to do all things to His glory.
No matter what we are doing we should always remember that He is our Father, and we live to glorify and please Him and His Son Jesus. (Exodus 33:18; Isaiah 42:8; Psalms 29:1-2; Psalms 115:1; Psalms 118:28; John 13:31-32; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Philippians 2:9-11; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; Revelation 11:13; Revelation 14:7)
God wants us to become like Jesus.
As we walk in the Spirit, we should see that God molds us into someone that becomes more and more like our joint heir, Jesus. Caution should be used as we look upon other people who have claimed Jesus as their Savior. It is possible to go on living as though you are not a Christian. This is because even after we become a Christian the flesh still fights with the Spirit (Galatians 5:17) and when we continue to choose to walk in the flesh we stop growing in Christ. While this is sad, it is a reality and that is why it is so very important that after we take the gospel message to people, we also offer them a way to become like Jesus through discipleship (more on this later). (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 4:11-15; Colossians 3:1; Romans 8:29; Romans 12:1-2)
God wants us to tell others about Jesus and what He did for them.
We should be ready to tell someone about Jesus no matter where we are. Evangelism is key to bringing more into the Family of God. Be aware that there are many ways to evangelize, this could mean going door-to-door or it could mean handing someone a gospel tract or even a business card with your contact information on it. You could share Jesus over a cup of coffee or a meal. Or it may even be an invitation to read your Christ-centered devotions or other blog posts. Regardless of how you do it, make sure you leave that door open so they can ask questions and be ready to give and answer or refer them to a more mature believer who can. (Mark 16:15; John 14:6; Acts 16:31; Romans 10:13-15; Ephesians 2:8-9; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:15; John 3;16; John 15:8; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; 2 Timothy 3:15)
God wants us to disciple new believers to grow in Christ.
Don’t just get them saved! When we bring them into our fellowship (outside or inside of church), we teach them how to pray. We teach them how to study the Bible. We give them tools to aid them as they study the Bible. We may even give them a Bible! This is our great commission! The important thing is that we teach them (disciple them) because they are new students (disciples). (Matthew 28:19-20; John 15:16; 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 2:3)
God Wants us to treat others with kindness and love.
We should always be looking for ways to edify others greater than ourselves. We can learn from mature believers as we watch them in their service to others and to the Lord. When we love someone, we are kind and generous to them. (John 15:12; 1 John 2:6; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:1-32; Philippians 1:21; Philippians 2:1-11; Colossians 3:1-25)
God wants us to obey, respect and submit to them who are in authority.
As children we should obey and honor our parents (notice that in Ephesians 6:1-2 there is no time limit on this … honoring parents continues into adulthood). As younger people we should respect the elders. As citizens we should respect law enforcement and other authority/leadership figures like pastors, teachers, and political leaders. As wives, we should submit to the leadership of our husband. This does not mean wives become a doormat; it means that they voluntarily place themselves under the husband’s leadership because this is God’s design for marriage. Just as Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, exhorts husbands to love their wives as much as Christ loved the Church and was willing to die for her! (Daniel 2:21; Romans 13:1-7; Hebrews 13:17; 1 Peter 2:13, 17; 1 Peter 5:5; Ephesians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:25-29; Ephesians 6:1-4; 1 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 Timothy 5:1-2)
Things to Think on and Do
- Can you find 3 other things in the Bible that God wants His children to do (or even avoid)? Give Scripture references for your answer.
- Of the things listed above, which one can you concentrate on this week? And next week? And so on?
- What is the greatest change that you have seen in your life since you have become a Christian?
