1 Corinthians 10:32-33 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.
Paul’s purpose in his actions was for the expansion of the Kingdom. He didn’t do all that he did for himself. His decisions were not based on what was best for him but for what were best for those around him. Some opposite approaches to this would be the following.
One: If we just did what we wanted, no matter who is hurt by it. This kind of selfishness is a major problem with many growing up today. There is no compassion or care for the feelings of others. This can be seen in families were one family member is going to do something that will effect the entire family in a negative way, but there feelings are not even considered. We can even see this in the church. Many have been turned off to church because they feel that the church has it’s own agenda and it doesn’t include them. We must be sensitive to the needs of those around us. Even if it goes against our church agenda, we must be somewhat sensitive to what it might look like to seekers. Now, I'm not advocating the seeker-friendly approach (where we don’t want to be offensive to sinners…The Gospel will be offensive at times), but I am all for being Jesus-Friendly, which means I must show compassion as well. I want to be pleasing to Him.
Two: Being over-sensitive and doing nothing. This is an over reaction to the previous problem. We must be on mission and moving forward at all times. In this process, some may get offended or upset. That is between them and God. We can’t stop reaching and moving and serving and preaching and even rebuking at times, simply because we are being oversensitive to the feelings and views of others. Again, I want to be Jesus-friendly, and that means pointing out the sin that needs to be addressed (in a loving & compassionate way). Otherwise, where is the true love?
Three: Being a “Yes Man”. This means, you are going along with everything, trying to gain approval from people rather than from God. This results in fear of man issues instead of living with the fear of God. Wow, that is something that is not heard much these days. I really need to take a future post and talk about exactly what the fear of God is & is not. The bottom line is that; we need to quit being “yes men” and start becoming “yes Jesus”. Stop with the “Yes Me” and start with the “yes Him”. OK, you get the point.
In this “me, myself & I”, “looking out for number one”, “me first” day and age we live in; Paul’s statement here is an excellent standard to live by. If we make the good of others one of our primary goals, then we will develop a servant attitude, which in return will bring pleasure to God.
Let me encourage you today to examine your heart, and examine your life. Are you living according to this standard? Have a wonderful day!
~ Matt
