1 Corinthians 10:31-33
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.
Paul once again reveals his motive: the salvation of all people. Whatever he did, he wanted it to be a catalyst for faith in Christ. He pleased others, not to make himself feel good or to jockey for some social position, but to win them to Christ. If a person is a people pleaser out of a low self-esteem or to get ahead, this will often repel people. It does not take unbelievers long to see through selfish motives in Christians.
The bottom line is if our actions bring glory to God. Too often the opposite is true: we bring glory to ourselves. We make ourselves look good in the eyes of others. To bring glory to God requires that we view life through the shadow of the cross. It is noteworthy that this letter began with reflecting on the cross. The way of the cross invites us to walk in submission and humility, which will then open us to the power of God.
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