Seek God's Glory and the Good of your Neighbor

23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. 24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” 1 Corinthians 10:23-24

Beloved,

Throughout my ministry, people have often started questions with, “Is it ok with God, if I …” The Bible tells us that we should not assume people’s motives for only God can judge the attitude and the intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12-13). Although we can never be sure other people’s motives, it does appear that the question is most concerned with “me, myself, and I.”

American culture has heightened self-interest to one of the most supreme virtues. Marketing experts try to encourage you to fulfill your individual desires. They tell you that their product will make you happy and satisfy your desires. Although the world wants you to satisfy your individual desires, the Bible says the best way to receive the desires of your heart is to delight in the Lord (Psalm 37:4). Life should not be about satisfying our own desires, but rather to seek the glory of God and the good of our neighbor.

Paul says through the Holy Spirit that there are things that may be lawful, but lawful or ok, does not make them helpful and does not build up. We should not ask if it is ok with God, but rather does this thought or activity seek God’s glory and the good of my neighbor. We live in an individualistic society so we have to be vigilant to keep a proper prospective. 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” God wants us to be zealous for His Glory.

Beloved, let’s stop asking if things are lawful and start asking if our activities seek the glory of God and the good of our neighbor. How different would our church look if we were governed by God’s glory and the good of our neighbor?

In Christ,



Pastor Dave