(1 Corinthians 10:31-33 NLT) So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.
Paul placed his wants and needs to the side so that he could please others, not for the purpose of puffing himself up through the pretense of false humility but for the purpose of glorifying God by bringing them to Christ Jesus so they might be saved. This is a sign of the totally surrendered life and the place where I would one day like to be. For most of us life just simply gets in the way, we’re busy providing for our kids, our spouse, and every once in a while you are able to take some time for yourself but that leaves God out, resulting in your world being very small. Paul was not married and as he said earlier his attention was not divided but celibacy does not automatically make one dedicated to God. If I were single I definitely would have more time but if I did not keep God centered there would be other things that would get in the way, maybe even more so. Daily sacrificing one’s wants and needs so that you are able to minister to others takes training and dedication just like praying and study every day. Prayer and the study of God’s Word is the foundation for the work Paul was doing but he went beyond that, he put his faith into action and he kept his eyes on the goal given to him by his Savior, whom he loved. Paul was God’s instrument and was used by God consistently. Have you ever had a moment in your life when you knew God was using you for a purpose beyond yourself? Do you remember how you felt? Well now imagine that happening every day! For Paul this was a lifestyle but it did not come from pushing himself or others to do better but by being totally surrendered to God and proving himself faithful. As he completed the simple things God gave him bigger things to do and we see God continually equipping Paul to do His work. By this means Paul was transformed into someone he tried so hard to become before meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus but could not. I believe all too often we too want this God-centered life but like Paul we try to get there on our own but it is only after we come face to face with our Lord that our feet are set on the right path. Then we start out with baby steps until one day we find our lives completely surrendered to Jesus.
Lord, thank you for working on my heart for I have allowed the world to twist and shape parts of it and still other parts are hard and parched and are not currently ready for the things you created me to do. Wash me in Living Water so that these parts will become pliable and reshape the twisted parts until it resembles Yours. Thank You for building this foundation in my life and help me not to delay the process You are doing that will put this faith to action. Thanks God for loving me as I am so that I can grow into what You meant for me to be. Amen.
