For the Good of All

For the Good of All

1 Corinthians 10: ²⁷ If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you decide to go, eat what is set before you, without asking any questions because of your conscience. ²⁸ But if someone tells you, “This food was offered to idols,” then do not eat that food, for the sake of the one who told you and for conscience' sake— ²⁹ that is, not your own conscience, but the other person's conscience.

 

“Well, then,” someone asks, “why should my freedom to act be limited by another person's conscience? ³⁰ If I thank God for my food, why should anyone criticize me about food for which I give thanks?”

 

³¹ Well, whatever you do, whether you eat or drink, do it all for God's glory. ³² Live in such a way as to cause no trouble either to Jews or Gentiles or to the church of God. ³³ Just do as I do; I try to please everyone in all that I do, not thinking of my own good, but of the good of all, so that they might be saved.

 

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“There is no ‘I’ in team” was a cliché thrown out at us from a boss. We giggled and someone replied, “But there is in ‘win!’” We went our individual ways trying to implement solutions each had come up with, and none of them stuck. We failed as a team.

 

• There have been many times when “I” did things on my own and received accolades for myself but not others..
• There have been many times when “I” tried to do what “I” felt was right but failed as a group.
• There have been many times when “I” thought of a solution from “my” point of view and presented it, only to receive resistance.

 

Paul goes into a difficult subject, namely relationships. He presents it from a perspective that, whether dealing with a person who believes in JESUS or not, think what is best for that person.

 

• GOD wants me to see people as HIS creation.
• GOD wants me to think of others so they might be saved.
• GOD wants me to put aside “me” so I can be with “them” to see “HIM.”

 

Seeing people is important. I mean, when I go “my” way, it is easy to not see people. I may be busy or getting beat up in the alley, but no one would know what is going on without unity. Thinking of “the good of all” means I bring the hope of GOD into a relationship without clobbering the relationship.

 

Yes, eternity is extremely important, but it takes time. You may say, but there is a sense of urgency that is needed. But the urgency needs to be tempered with the raw ingredients baked at the right temperature so the meal is not deadly, but can be eaten. I am grateful for all those who are in my life.

 

• Are you developing individual solutions, expecting others to follow “you?”
• Do you think “you” know what is best for “that” person?
• Will you think of solutions to bring people to GOD by being with “them” versus against them today?

Love not Hate

Please join me in prayer for those deeply hurt by the actions of hatred. Ask GOD to help us keep HIS great command... "Love one another."

JESUS gave HIS life for all humanity. Let us show HIS love in these days of hatred.

Soul Matters

Mark 8: ³⁴ When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. ³⁵ For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. ³⁶ For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? ³⁷ Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? ³⁸ For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.”

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“What kind of job will I get?” was the only thing on my mind at the time. Seven jobs later I found myself with another question, “What is my purpose?”

• There were times when I thought life meant “How much money can I make?”
• There were times when I thought life was about the insurance carrier I could obtain.
• There were times when I thought life equated to houses, cars and gadgets.

“Now that’s living” were the words in my mind as I lusted after people with lavish lifestyles. BUT GOD broke things down differently.

• JESUS says to me “Take up your cross and follow me daily.”
• JESUS says to me “Your soul is more important to me than the lusts of this world.”
• JESUS says to me “Seek ME without being ashamed of me and I will remember you upon MY return.”

Telling a group that my life matters is noble, BUT GOD tells me “Souls Matter.” HE has a place made for me where the quality of life never diminishes. There is no anger, no guilt, and no shame. HE wants all souls which includes race, gender and other forms of discrimination. HE is excited when I follow HIM and wants others to do the same.

• Are you trying to gain more of the world?
• Do you feel bitter and rage when someone else gets ahead?
• Can you stop trying to become bigger in humans eyes and give your soul back to GOD who created you?