Scripture:
“So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God (just as I try to please everyone in everything I do) not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Observation:
Perspective, not a ledger of do’s and don’ts. What a chore it is to keep my head on straight and not to seek my own advantage concerning things of God.
Application:
I have found it difficult at times to talk about “liberty in Christ” and what Paul says about “watching out for my brother.” Why should someone else’s weakness affect my strength?
Besides the obvious declaration of sacrificing myself for the good of others (which I would probably do with an attitude of grumbling superiority) why would I look to not give offence like Paul dictates above?
Earlier in this chapter it says that all things were written for our instruction. In Romans 8 Paul refers to renewing my mind so that can prove what God’s will is. What I think from these is that I should take my o’ so logical thinking, put it to the side, and replace it with Godly thinking from His instruction so that I can prove His will.
What would that do? It will without a doubt change my perspective, how I look at life. It should keep me from seeking my own advantage; that is, focusing on me.
What advantage would I be seeking? Why, the advantage that says look at me and how good, knowledgeable, and mature I am. Aren’t I just godly?” Just like Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men, the enemy says “You want me on that Throne; you need me on that throne.” I would be no different, just religious. But I don’t want to be “religious”; I want to be a follower of Christ.
I am pretty sure this is going to be talked about further in 1 Cor 13—because that is the issue: Whether or not my motivations and actions are bracketed by love.
Prayer:
Lord God, I walk by faith and not by sight, that is, that is what I want to do. The cares of this world, my own innate selfishness gets in the way so many times. Please help me to work through laying all my cares at the foot of the Cross and change my perspective to one of only serving and pleasing You. AMEN.