The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, and majestic in his radiant splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in 1 Corinthians 10:32-33,
"Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 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 speaks of his efforts to please others, "in every way". In the previous verse, Paul expresses that one way he does this is to not be a stumbling block to others, "Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God", verse 32. Certainly, while he doesn't mention the active things he does in his efforts to "please everybody in every way", he engaged in those as well. He uses himself as an example for all believers to follow.
He writes of this in another passage, where he encourages his readers to have the same outlook, Romans 15:1-2, "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
I can't think of a greater "outward" focus!
Jesus died on that miserable cross to provide us access to God on his heavenly throne with the opportunity to join his family, demonstrating the greatest of all expressions of concern for others. In Romans 15 he goes on to say, "For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: 'The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.'" Verse 3.
Paul tells us why we should have this same outlook: the salvation of others depends on it! "For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." As sobering as it may be, the salvation of others just may rest on my treatment of them, how I "please" others. Paul sets the Lord and himself as examples for us to follow.
"Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 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 speaks of his efforts to please others, "in every way". In the previous verse, Paul expresses that one way he does this is to not be a stumbling block to others, "Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God", verse 32. Certainly, while he doesn't mention the active things he does in his efforts to "please everybody in every way", he engaged in those as well. He uses himself as an example for all believers to follow.
He writes of this in another passage, where he encourages his readers to have the same outlook, Romans 15:1-2, "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."
I can't think of a greater "outward" focus!
Jesus died on that miserable cross to provide us access to God on his heavenly throne with the opportunity to join his family, demonstrating the greatest of all expressions of concern for others. In Romans 15 he goes on to say, "For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: 'The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.'" Verse 3.
Paul tells us why we should have this same outlook: the salvation of others depends on it! "For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved." As sobering as it may be, the salvation of others just may rest on my treatment of them, how I "please" others. Paul sets the Lord and himself as examples for us to follow.
This is a responsibility all believers have, not to be taken lightly! Our outward focus on how we treat others works in tandem with the work and gospel of Jesus Christ!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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