So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 NABRE
Paul is responding to a question about eating meat that has been offered to an idol. Paul’s key message is that no matter what you eat or drink, in fact in everything you do, do it for the glory of God. Paul is defending eating without questioning meat of unknown history, leading to Paul’s desire to minimize offense to non-Christians. Christians should live for the glory of God and should avoid giving offense. We should do whatever is possible within the limits of avoiding idolatry; to Greeks be open to a dinner invitation, to the church, though not trying to set a bad example be open to social contacts that present opportunities for evangelization. Paul wants to try and please everyone in every way to show the path of being a Christian. Paul is not seeking his own benefit but the benefit of the many, that all may be saved. Paul does not want to sacrifice his great hope of winning others to the gospel being excessive about rules or dogma. Drawing all to the gospel is Jesus’ message, which is the message Paul is following, and he urges the Corinthians and us to follow as well. We are called to imitate Paul who imitates Christ.
A modern example might be a Christian who gets upset or rebellious when there is a policy disallowing the saying of “Merry Christmas.” The Christian is free to say and do what they want in this situation but Paul’s example is to accept this and be open to those who aren’t willing to say Merry Christmas. Show them love. By showing our love we demonstrate people are more important than rules and we are willing to lose for Christ. Christ was willing to lose by going to the cross. It is in losing that we win companions.
Are you excessive about the rules? Is your goal to win companions?
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