Therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  (32) Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God.  (33) just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.  (11:1) Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

The Apostle Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians in response to problems in the Church he founded there   Chapter Ten of this letter is about  the personal liberty of the Christian and  today’s verses present the concluding principle for living the Christian life.

The question Paul is addressing here is how does a Christian function in the framework of liberty.  Christians were not under the ceremonial or dietary restrictions of Jewish Law and there were gray areas concerning certain behavior – what was right or wrong – what was allowed as a Christian.  Paul ‘s final statement on this was to tell his readers to do all to the glory of God.

There are limitations on Christian behavior.  Some things which are not forbidden can in some circumstances can be a stumbling block for others.  Paul is telling the Corinthians to consider edification over gratification – meaning that whatever action would have a beneficial result for one’s self AND others is the behavior that should be chosen.  The Christian should sacrifice their liberty for the benefit of others.  This comes out of love for others and in the long run will benefit the spiritual growth of the Christian.

Paul lived not for his own profit or glory but he lived so that all may be saved through the gospel he preached.  Any hindrance to God’s glory was to be avoided – and in all things: eating, drinking or any conduct,  Christians were to try to avoid all offense.  We are bound to offend some but Paul’s advice – to imitate him as he imitates Christ – will always bring glory to God.

Alcoholics Anonymous has a saying that recovering alcoholics may be the only Big Book that others will ever read.  Meaning the behavior of the recovering alcoholic may be the impetus  for the suffering alcoholic to get sober – the principle of “I want what he has”.   This is the lesson for today.  We are to do all we do for the glory of God and in so doing we may be the only Bible some ever read.