What are your life goals? There are many possibilities. We set life goals either consciously or unconsciously. We set goals in areas such as: income, sports, homes, business, exercise family and the like. There are many worthy goals we might consider. Today, I submit to you that there is one goal that stands head and shoulders above all others. This goal is found in I Cor. 10:31. "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Illustration: The popular new movie "Facing The Giants" is an uplifting example of this principle. In the movie a high school coach challenges his team to consider a new philosophy for football. Up until that moment his team was facing a discouraging year. They were a mediocre team, at best. The coach challenged his team to start playing (and living) for the glory of God. He challenged them to do their best, whether winning or losing, for the glory of God. The team responded to this challenge and became champions. The coach did not wipe away the boy’s goal of winning a championship. He gave them a greater goal that facilitated other goals. I think that is the way God wants us to live. I Cor. 10:31 points in that direction.
I want to ask and then answer a question. How do we go about living our lives for the glory of God? There are some choices that must be made. The context surrounding I Cor. 10:31 points to these choices.
1. The first choice we must make is the choice to be concerned for others. If we are to bring glory to God we must be concerned for people. In I Cor. 10 Paul addresses the issue of eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols. Is it right or wrong for a Christian to partake of such meat? Paul begins his discussion with a consideration of other people. Look at verses 23-24. "Everything is permissible--but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible-- but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others."(NIV) A key question is: how will my actions affect other people?
There are many gray areas that the scripture does not address. Is it right to smoke? It it right to drink alcohol in a social setting? What about "R" rated moves? Paul’s advice would be, "consider the other person."
There are some questions we should ask when trying to determine the acceptability of an activity.
* Is my behavior constructive to other people? (vs. 23)
* Am I looking out for self or the other person? (vs. 24)
* Does my behavior point others to God? (vs. 31)
* Does my behavior cause others to stumble? (vs. 32)
2. A second choice we must make is the choice to live in a way that points others to Jesus. In verse 27 Paul raises the issue of behavior. In considering a certain activity I should ask, will this point another person toward Jesus. In verse 32 he explains that our aim should be to see others come to faith in Christ.
A. Our words should point others to Christ.
B. Our actions should point others to Christ.
C. Our attitude should point others to Christ.
3. A third choice we must make is the choice to put Christ first in our lives. In verse 31 the Bible instructs us, "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
A. Our desire is that he be honored in every area of our lives. We do not exclude anything, even the things we eat or drink.
B. When we put Christ first we should be willing to bring all things before Him. Consideration for Him should affect all decisions we make.
