Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
January 11, 2023
Read 1 Corinthians 10:23-33
23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. 24 No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. 25 Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience, 26 for, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”[f]
27 If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience. 28 But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, both for the sake of the one who told you and for the sake of conscience. 29 I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I thank God for?
31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Good Morning, Thanks be to God for all our blessings!
I am happy and blessed to be at home this morning. It is interesting that the Upper Room passage was one single verse. I decided to see what surrounds this one verse, so I included extra verses to consider.
Verse 31 is a great thesis statement for this passage and upon which we should build our lives. Paul was working to clear up some misconceptions regarding the freedom that Christians were enjoying that were different than the Old Testament laws that had been followed for generations.
Corinth was a metropolitan city with diverse people and cultures. These new Christians were surrounded by so many choices and had not become firm in their understanding of Christian values. Imagine a kid in a candy shop who wants to try everything. Paul is explaining that yes, they are free to partake of new foods and drink, but to avoid things that have been sacrificed or given in thanks to “other” Gods.
We must set the example of walking faith so that others might see the light that is available for all to follow. Finally, we come back to that thesis statement, whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God. To God be the Glory, great things he has done . . . Praise the Lord, praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice. Come to the Father through Jesus the Son. Give Him the glory: Great things He has done
Gracious God, Thank You for loving us. In everything, we give you thanks and praise you! Thank you! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: We are called to lead others to Christ!
Let your light shine! Pastor Liz