So then, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of [our great] God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 AMP
In this generation that celebrates individuality, and not much of corporate responsibility, today's message is timely. We may not have noticed it, but over the past few decades, the distance between neighbours' houses has increased. We have put up high fences and wire meshes to keep our lives private, and we have set up artificial boundaries to create the impression that we are bigger and better than our neighbours. We live for our own pleasures alone, claiming that after all, it is our money that we are spending. We have become blind and deaf to the realities around us, forgetting that the world, with all its pretences, is under the pain and burden of sin. How do I get the mind of God in the midst of the mindlessness around me? How do I find out and promote God's perfect will in this world of sin?
Paul speaks about the believer's personal conviction as the foundation of all that s/he does. This is quite true: I must know who I have come to know, follow and serve, if my life is to impact the generation I am a part of. However, tied to that personal conviction is the need for me to live responsibly, caring about the foundations of the faith of the other person. We will not all grow in the same way and at the same time, so I owe it to other people to help them in their walk of faith. My convictions are personal, but their impact will be felt by all who come in contact with me. I am not saved and taken from the earth; I am left down here to make a difference. I am called to active duty, and everything I do matters. Nothing is inconsequential; I am not going to get away with blending in and compromise.
We may call it simple, but eating and drinking have led many people astray and into sin. We may call it simple but for a child of God who understands destiny and purpose, there is nothing the devil cannot try to exploit to further his evil interests, and there is also nothing that God cannot use to promote his will on the earth. The secret then lies in my recognition of, submission to and embrace of all that God wants to do in and through me. If I know very clearly that food is an avenue of ministry, I will be very careful of how I do it. If I know that with God, nothing really is useless, I will take care of the things that men find with me, so that my life can be a message that speaks of God's grace in all its fullness. I do not live anyhow; I do not seek to only satisfy my own desires; I seek to please God in all that I do.
That is the message of Paul here: Live as someone who knows that the lives of men are at stake. Live as someone who has eyes on eternity, even as s/he seeks to impact the earth. God's glory is seen in the daily grind of life; in the simple daily decisions of my life. God's power is made manifest in the mundane. God's wisdom is made manifest in the folly of man's best efforts. God is indeed great, yet He has chosen to make mortal man his eyes, ears, hands, feet and heart. God seeks men in whose lives He can show off His great might, wisdom and grace. This is a great responsibility that I cannot take for granted. Can God count on me to represent Him everywhere I stand? Is my life that constant reminder to people that God lives here? God's time of favour is here.
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