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 first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul. Our verses are connected with the three chapters that go before – Paul is preaching the gospel and – in matters of indifference – he adapts himself to all men that they might find salvation. He is teaching that there is no part of our lives and actions so minute that it might not be directed to the glory of God. The second point of our verses is a regard for our neighbor that we may, if possible, gain them for Christ. Paul accommodated himself to men only in things indifferent and things lawful in themselves always with the end that is observed – that they may be saved. So, our conduct should have the glory of God and the good of man for its object. Paul laid aside all self will and self importance and recommends the example of Christ. He prescribes nothing to others he had not first practiced himself – he directs himself and others to Christ as the only pattern of right acting. Paul’s doctrine here is not a mistaken imitation to copy what men see done by people of great influence. Christians are to follow men provided they take Christ as their model.

The plan of salvation rests on the same reasons and principles whether in the days of the Exodus or in our own lives. To all men/women living in a world of the senses it is difficult to live by faith in the unseen. In this life we are never beyond the reach of temptation and our suppositions regarding ourselves are often untrue. We are at ease and complacent when we ought not to be. We think we are secure when we are at the point of failing

The freedom Paul speaks of does have limitations. If my doing something – again in indifferent things – is going to offend fellow Christian’s I must not do it. It is conditional religious freedom. We are not to be a stumbling block to others. One of the ways we preach the gospel is by what we say and do. All our life is a life that is lived for God wherever we are, whatever we are doing at whatever the time: all done for the glory of God