A simple Rule of Thumb

A SIMPLE RULE OF THUMB

Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)

 

            At one time or another, we have eaten or not eaten something just out of common courtesy. Maybe our hostess prepared a special meal and, rather than hurt his or her feelings, we ate food that was not on our diet. In another scenario, we said no to a dessert we really wanted because our dining companion couldn't have sweets.

            Paul reasoned with the Corinthians to look beyond themselves. In 1 Corinthians 10:33 he wrote, “For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many so that they may be saved.” If there is no specific direction in the Bible concerning actions, whether it be eating the meat offered to idols as in Paul's day or doing something that might cause the unsaved to question our Christian walk today, we should ask ourselves, “Will this cause someone to stumble?” Here, then, is a simple rule of thumb that Paul gives for actions when there are no expressed biblical directives: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

If, out of common courtesy, we will adjust our eating so as not to offend a friend, how much more should we be willing to do everything we do for the glory of God, our friend and Redeemer?

 

—Joann Eastburn

 

Strive to bring glory to God in action, word, and deed.