THE 29th OF JULY
IT IS WORTH GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR THE SALVATION OF OTHERS.
“Just as I please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, so that they may be saved.” — 1 Corinthians 10:33
Does this contradict what we read in 1 Thessalonians 2:4 or Galatians 1:10? No, it does not. Here, Paul is saying that he lived not according to his own desires, but in a way that served the interests of those around him. He tried to please all men, not seeking his own profit, so that people’s hearts would be open to receiving the Gospel.
We are to strive to please God first and then to please others, but only to the extent that it does not lead us to sin against our Lord. In the previous verses, Paul discusses the issue of eating meat offered to idols, which was later sold in the market by pagan priests.
Even if something is not a sin for someone with strong faith, we should not use our freedom in Christ to cause weaker Christians to sin by following our example and ignoring their own convictions. In such cases, it is better to do what helps others.
In eating, drinking, and everything we do, we should seek to please and glorify God, helping others to do what is right rather than indulging our carnal nature. Helping a soul to be saved is far more valuable than doing something that might be a stumbling block for someone else.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Father God, please help me to be mindful of the people around me and not do anything that might cause them to stumble and reject You. Grant me wisdom and self-control, so that I may help those around me find You and be saved. Lord, help me not to seek my own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen
