All to the Glory of God

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

Paul exhorted people of the church in Corinth to be sensitive to the perspectives of others in their eating and drinking.  For people whose background was steeped in idolatry, some were careful not to eat meat offered to idols because it was a return to their heathen ways.  It was lawful to eat the meat found in the local shops, but it was not edifying to some.  Thus Paul implored believers, whether they chose to eat or drink or abstain, they were to do all to the glory of God.  They could eat and glorify God for His provision, or they could choose not to eat and glorify God through showing love to their sensitive brother.

This exhortation to do all to the glory of God is not limited to eating or drinking.  It can be extended to the reasons why we wear particular clothes, being sensitive to acceptable styles of dress in a culture or to show modesty.  The implication is whatever we do can be done all to the glory of God.  This doctrine might challenge many assumptions we may ascribe to and work to purify our motives for the things we do and choose not to do.  The other day my brothers at church and I had a laugh about rescheduling a Bible study to watch a game.  On the surface it may seem obvious a Bible study is of far greater spiritual value than a game of rugby.  Is it even possible for God to get glory from people playing a game and watching it?  Why not?  Another question to consider is, do all Bible studies and people leading or attending in themselves give glory to God?

It is entirely possible people can preach, lead worship or a Bible study with a proud, boastful or self-absorbed heart.  It is also possible for people to attend a service or study out of duty, in an attempt to "score points" with God or man, or for the opportunity to meet other singles.  The strangest reason one person freely volunteered to me they came to church was for the air conditioning!  Playing or watching a game of sport in itself gives no glory to God, but for the believer it is possible to do so.  A Christian player can be a godly witness to their fellow players in practice and on game day, conducting themselves in love with teammates and the opposition.  Glory can be given to God by their words, how they use them and by what they refuse to say because they are in fellowship with God.  With a clear conscience I could reschedule a Bible study if it provides opportunity to show love and consider one another,  a chance to give and provide for each others needs, to include each other and seek to pray with one another.  Our Bible studies also should provide such opportunity.  God is able to be in the middle of our work, play, eating, drinking, dress, hobbies and families.

The reality is, however, we can play or watch a game without a thought of God; we can dress ourselves and eat even without a prayer.  We can read the scriptures and go to Bible studies without giving glory to God by thanking or obeying Him.  If we are eating and drinking all for the glory of God, it will not justify gluttony or drunkenness.  Since our eating, drinking and whatever we do can be done all for the glory of God, let us make that our aim--not just to bring God into our ordinary activities--but that we would seek God how to obey and honour Him in the things we do and choose not to do.  And who knows?  When we begin to live for the glory of God, our activities and appetites will likely change.  Our reasons why we do or do not do something will be guided by the Holy Spirit continually, and those who submit to Christ give glory to God.