Doing it All For the Glory of God
1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." This verse is part of a larger discussion by Paul about Christian freedom and responsibility. Particularly regarding eating food that has been offered to idols. It’s also just a great memory verse. (Here’s something I prepared earlier)
This article is written specifically for the legends at Hope Youth. The goal is to place this verse in context, help us understand what God’s glory is, and help us start to think through what it means to do everything for God’s glory.
Context of the Passage
In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul addresses the issue of whether Christians are allowed to eat food that’s been sacrificed to idols. This was a big deal in Corinth. People often ate meat that had once been used in idol worship. In verses 1-10, Paul reminds his readers that back in the days of the exodus, the Israelites had fallen into idolatry, and there were big consequences. In verses 11-13, Paul tells the Corinthians that this all happened to warn those who came later (like us) and to remind them to stand firm. In verses 14-22, he urges them to flee idolatry. How are they to do this? By turning their focus to God. And his Glory.
Then we get to verse 31:
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
Whatever the Corinthians do, whether they’re eating, or drinking—absolutely anything—it all has to be done to the glory of God.
God’s Glory
But what actually is the glory of God? Think of it as God’s magnificence, or awesomeness, or brilliance, or splendour—all that kind of stuff combined and multiplied by a gazillion-billion.
Sometimes, I define God’s Glory using this acronym. It’s all God’s:
Goodness
Love
’Oliness (bit of a stretch)
Righteousness
Yeah—all that kind of stuff, and more!
God is all of these things X 1 Gazillion.
Are you convinced that this is true? That God really is all of these things X 1 Gazillion? If he is, it makes sense that this would impact the way we live.
Pointing to God’s Glory
When we do stuff “to the glory of God”, it means we’re living in such a way that people are pointed to how great God truly is. To point to how brilliant and awesome he is. Even in the mundane, normal things—like eating and drinking.
The next few chapters of 1 Corinthians give us some helpful pointers on how to point to God’s glory.
How we present and behave at church. In 1 Corinthians 11, the way we dress and behave in church points to God’s glory and greatness. We do this in a way that points to God’s holiness.
How we serve others. 1 Corinthians 12, we’re encouraged to serve others in the church. The mindset with which we serve others ultimately points others to God’s glory. We serve in a way that puts others before ourselves, just as Jesus serves others.
How we love others. In 1 Corinthians 13, the way we love others, doing what is good for them, rather than what is good for me—this glorifies God. This means being, patient, kind, not boasting, not being proud. Just like God is loving. This points others to how awesome and brilliant our God is.
How we encourage others. In 1 Corinthians 14, we’re told to encourage others. To build them up. Not tear them down. We do this by pointing people to Jesus.
How we stand firm in the gospel. In 1 Corinthians 15, we’re encouraged to stand firm in the gospel. Not giving up on the good news of Jesus and what he’s done for us. This is a way we can glorify God.
How we share the gospel. Right at the end of 1 Corinthians 15, we’re encouraged to do “the work of the Lord”. This means sharing the gospel with people who don’t know Jesus. This is another way we can point to God’s glory: pointing them to Jesus.
So, in conclusion:
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
