Whatever You Do

In 1 Corinthians 8-10 Paul discusses the concept of what we term "Christian Liberty." You know, the idea that if God hasn't commanded or forbidden something, we're free to choose for ourselves. In these chapters, Paul limits the concept, though. On one hand, he says we should avoid harming the conscience of others. He says, for instance, that eating meat sacrificed to idols is harmless, but to refuse anyway "for the sake of conscience" (1 Cor 10:28) and then explains, "I do not mean your conscience, but his" (1 Cor 10:28-29). "Sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak," he claims, "you sin against Christ" (1 Cor 8:12).

In the conclusion of this Paul makes what appears to be a surprising leap. "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). But it's not a leap. On the question, "How do I choose what to do when God has not commanded?" the answer is easy -- do all to the glory of God. "But is it a sin to ..." "Do all to the glory of God." It is a broad, sweeping statement. "Whatever you do." How you relate to people, how you do your work, how you dress in the morning -- whatever you do. The question isn't "Is it sin or not?" The question is "Does it glorify God?"

It gets more interesting if you finish reading the epistle. In the last chapter Paul writes, "Let all that you do be done in love" (1 Cor 16:14). Another equally broad, sweeping statement. "Okay, Paul, make up your mind. All for the glory of God or all in love?" we are tempted to ask. The answer, of course, is "Yes." The two are tightly linked. You see, God is love (1 John 4:8) -- God defines love and produces love (1 John 4:19). Love, then, as demonstrated and expressed by God, glorifies God. Which is why Jesus said, "By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). Love marks the believer and love glorifies God. Therefore, whatever you do, do all for the glory of God and do it in love.

Of course, that makes for a life lived looking outward. Looking toward what God wants. Looking for the good of your neighbors (1 Cor 10:24). Thinking of others as more important than yourself (Php 2:3). And that is not natural. Which is fine for us because "it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure" (Php 2:13). In whatever you do.