Our last day before Thanksgiving break, and we are all more than ready for the respite. Help us all to look to You, Father, as the source of our blessings and to praise You for them. Amen.

1 Corinthians 10:16-11:1 (<<click here to read the passage)

What are the motivations in our lives? Some have only themselves to think about, but many have others with whom they are intimately connected. It could be spouses, or children, or parents. It could even be connections with people in our workplaces and numerous others that factor in.

Where the rub takes place is the fact that that may all be well and good for regular men and women of the world, but as believers, all aspects of our lives (whatever we eat, drink, or do) should be done with the intentional purpose of giving glory to God. That was your first thought…right? Probably not.

I’m not here to point fingers at anyone (remember, Point One Finger, Three Fingers Point Back). We are all guilty. And “we” includes me.

Now, before we sell ourselves short, there are things that at least some of us do that align with what God desires for us to do; we just may not understand what it is from that angle.

The beginning of verse 33 from the New Living Translation reads,

I…try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others…

I’ve stated many times before that I am by no means perfect, but I strive to live my life this way. I am a people pleaser, and I endeavor not to just think of myself. I really do work at doing what is best for others…

I genuinely love other people, and though it may not always be at the forefront of my mind, at least subconsciously, I do what I do so that many may be saved. The way the Amplified Bible puts it helps me process it, too. I live the way I do so that they [will be open to the message of salvation and] may be saved.

Paul is a good example to follow, and that’s because he follows Christ’s example (you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.)

So, if we can learn anything from this passage, we need to learn to intentionally give glory to God in all we do. And when we do that, we will be aiding people to be receptive to accepting Christ as their Savior.

May the Lord help us follow His example day in and day out. Amen.

Nov 21st, 2023, Tues, 3:42 pm