I Cor 10:31 "...Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Give No Offense...
Try to Please Everyone...
Don't Seek My Own Advantage...
Seek the Advantage of many that they may be saved...
Scripture interprets Scripture. It's not a list of Do's and Don'ts. It's a calling to a higher and narrow way living for the Glory of God not unto ourselves and making our lives work. It's an invitation to walk with a God Who provides ways of escape in the midst of trouble. What stirs in you is no "formula thing" but a high calling. All for the Glory of God.
Yesterday on the way to church, I got offended. The man behind me on the church shuttle from the parking lot to church, was berating a co-worker for not reading one of his emails, a Forward for a Living Social offer (like Groupon) Anyway, I was in the worst mood by the time I got to church that I almost went home.
ReplyDeleteWondering what offends others about me that could keep them from seeing Christ. Manipulations, imperfect church attendees, self-importance, etc. all carry weight, not only as our own sin, but as ambassadors to carry the banner of Christ high. Lord, smooth those places in me that rise up in anger so quickly, help me to lift high the Cross that I can hide in its shadow, and Jesus forbid, that I would put off someone that could be a Christian, but for the ugly actions of one who profanes the Name of Christ .
Annette, I echo your prayer.
ReplyDeleteSomeone had to love me enough in my sinful state to show me Jesus.
His love has to be front and center in our lives before the lost will be interested in our witness.