A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

Do All Things for the Glory of God

1 Corinthians 10:31

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So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV)

In this verse, and in Romans 14:1, Paul addressed eating meat that had been sacrificed to an idol. Paul called this a disputable matter. Something that was morally neutral, neither right nor wrong.

But some people, especially weaker believers, did consider it to be wrong. And for those people, eating that meat would be wrong (Rom. 14:23). Paul’s concern is that if a weaker believer sees a more mature believer eating meat sacrificed to an idol, or participating in any other disputable matter, they might be tempted to participate as well. And it would be a sin for them, thus wounding their conscience. So Paul’s advice to the mature believer is to act in love and abstain from any activity you suspect will hurt someone else, leading them into sin.

Do Everything for the Glory of God

While this verse is directed specifically at the issue of disputable matters, I believe it has a much broader application. Paul tells me that whatever I do should be done for the glory of God. In most of what I do, I first evaluate the cost of the action and its benefit. This is not generally a long involved process. And sometimes, it is even unconscious. But it is something that generally happens nonetheless. What Paul adds here is another factor to consider. Does this action on my part glorify God? If it does not, then maybe I shouldn’t do it.

But that raises the question. How do I know if something glorifies God or not? For instance, when I go out for a run in the morning, is God glorified?

That can be hard to answer. But I try and imagine God being physically present with me in the activity; running down the road alongside me. Am I embarrassed to have him beside me? Or can I enjoy fellowship with him as we do this thing? If the former, I should not do it. If the latter, then I believe God is glorified. And I try and use that as a general rule in my life. Do only what I am comfortable doing hand in hand with Jesus.

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Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

13 thoughts on “Do All Things for the Glory of God – 1 Corinthians 10:31”

  1. This was such an on-time word. I can’t help to mention how Spiritual everything is. So often we become blinded by what our eyes can see and what our natural reality beholds. Yet the Truth abides, we are spirit. Since we are dead and our lives are hidden with Christ, then it is no longer us that lives, but Christ who Lives in us. He IS our Life, through and through.. it’s all about Him. If from my heart, I Glorify the Lord, then my activities should follow my moral conviction. However, because I am still in this flesh, I must ALWAYS follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit who will reveal my intentions when pride shows up to lead me astray (as it tends to do). What I gather most from your post and the scripture you referenced is “With-ness” with God.. with-ness, (smiles), I tend to make up words. Since we are in the Spirit, it’s important to handle matters Spiritually. Often in my past, there were things that the Lord showed me wasn’t good. So, I’d abstain from doing it. Years later The Lord brought to my attention that intention plays a huge part, as the Bible tells us that The Lord tries the thoughts and intents of the heart. He revealed to me that sometimes we must physically abstain, sometimes we must abstain from the ill place in our hearts from where we do it, and of course sometimes BOTH are needed. For an example, the man who looks upon a woman to lust, Jesus said that the man “committed adultery with her already in his heart”. How is that adultery? Because it’s outside of our Covenanted Marriage to Christ. To lust upon someone isn’t WITH God. The sin didn’t take place in the bedroom with her, it took place in his heart when he stopped walking with Christ and walked into lust.(Galatians 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh). Comparing the scripture of your post with Colossians 3:23-24 “[23]And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; [24] Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Notice it says “heartily”. It’s being WITH God from the heart, like receiving Him or to join in with Him. Glorifying God is selfless. It has NOTHING to do with us profiting in any capacity (prospering, being Blessed, etc), it’s more of a selfless exaltation of esteeming Him Highly, (and that exaltation starts in the heart). Glorifying God goes beyond my personal regard, and forces me to confront the Truth, that He is Great and Worthy to be Praised, no matter how I feel, what I’m going through, how things look, seem to be, or my attitude toward Him or opinions. His Glory isn’t contingent upon ANYTHING. It just is! When I agree with this notion of His Glory, I’m able to abide in Him and continue WITH Him, no matter what I do, yet obviously steadily heeding to the Direction of The Holy Spirit. The heart’s submission is key, otherwise, I’ll just continue wasting time in my own head space trying to juggle “rules” of “should I or shouldn’t I?”, ever learning but never coming to the Knowledge of the Truth (and that’s no fun, I struggle with that). Ultimately, it’s not about eating, drinking, or jogging, but being WITH Him – He knows our heart’s intention. Relationship internalizes change.

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    • Walk in the Spirit. Glorify God in all I do. Love the Lord with all I am. And to love my neighbor as I do myself. So easy to say. But much more challenging to do. My flesh all too often gets in the way. But little by little, as I try and keep my eyes on Christ and things above, God is working those things out in my life.

      Reply
    • God bless you sweet lady. I’m writing a praise song and if it is ok with you I’m using some of what you said here.

      You were channeling the Holy Spirit in most of what you said here but especially in 3 or 4 parts of your comment here my Holy Spirit was in heavy agreement with your Holy Spirit.

      The song will be titled “ALL things”.
      It will be a song about how we are only made strong by God in our broken places. So praise God when you are broken even to dust because how much stronger and more beautiful will He make you now. So when everything in your life is breaking be on your knees thanking God because it only means that God is coming for you. For those who know that ALL things ….. Etc. It’s dope. I have to get the “all things ” scripture quoted correctly here. But it’s a rad song. Lol. Straight from Him to me and hopefully to be shared everywhere someday for anyone who has ears to hear to be added to when they hear His words for them in this song. And if you’re ok with it your words from your response here will be in the song.

      Lol. Not sure if you ever check this page? But hopefully you will /do and God speaks to you when you read what I am saying here bc why else would He have me writing you? Hahaha.

      Love you my sister in Christ.

      When the world brings you confusion anger and strife, bring it to God so that he can give to you and you can give in return to those who have hurt you
      Nothing but God’s love. For God will make you into sweetness and light.

      Amy

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    • And I LOVED your use of “with-ness” THAT should be on a t-shirt somewhere. Like “If you are reading this on my shirt … You are now a witness to my with-ness with Jesus… “.
      Or something like that. You guys need to figure out a play on words with witness and with-ness and in your next charity drive use that play on words on mugs or shirts peeps buy to support your fund raiser. With Tessa’s permission of course. Tessa make a list of your “words” like with-ness. And see how they can be used for the Glory of God .. if you have time anyways. At the very least it will be a fun excersize and at the most maybe one of your words will have the equivalent relevance for the masses like WWJD has. You laugh. But you NEVER know. Because remember God will use the “LEAST of these” so leap Lady and the net WILL appear. Just saying… Much love y’all. Thanks so much for have this forum.
      Everything I have read on here from you guys fed my soul tonight. Yum. 😀

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      • Amy.. I have thought about revisiting this post so many times, but never did until now. I’m hoping you get this message, but if not, it was all about The Lord getting the Praise. He used you to reach me, and perhaps your work is done. I’m in awe and jaw dropped by what the Lord has spoken to me through your message. First, I must address, the words I spoke here, they are from my relationship with the Lord and what He’s teaching me.. therefore, these are NOT my words, but His and are for the work of The Kingdom, so I am in no stature to “give permission”. Those words are for us all. Secondly, you have no idea what you spoke to in your response. The Holy Spirit has indeed revealed to you that I am a maker of things (an artist). It is the Gift of creativity that The Lord has given me (even while typing this, I see how such a gift has manifested in my vocabulary, hence the made-up words.. its all God, He’s Awesome). I used to be fixated on showing work in world renown galleries, but He broke me from that (Thank You, Jesus). He doesn’t need the biggest, fanciest.. He likes using the small things “the LEAST of these”. So, I set up my tent and share Jesus by way of the artwork I make and baked goods. My husband helps me with a lot of this when we post up, so when you said “you guys”, I knew the Lord had shown you us. On the flip side, I struggle with walking out on Faith, EVEN when I know its what I’m supposed to do. Your exhortation for me to LEAP, was purely from the Lord, as that has been a vision of mine and metaphor I use often of God being my safety net. I Bless The Lord. Needless to say, I will put this Word into to work, because (Faith without works is dead), and will incorporate these “made-up” words, I make-up words pretty often! Hahaha I Hope I get to hear that song! Lord Willing, one day we’ll be rocking that song wearing those shirts! This is the KINGDOM age, He is calling us to repent of traditions, rules of “rightness”, and just trying to please Him without Faith. He wants me to stop trying to do FOR Him, and be WITH Him. I Praise the Lord for your obedience and transparency.. a breath of fresh air. I Love you, my Sister!

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  2. Amen ! It’s true apart from Him we can’t do nothing. He is our everything. Thank You for the word I’m so blessed!

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  3. I have observed that most push their on interest, Trade Mark, Mission, Church, Business, Calling, Ministry —- Who really lives for Christ alone? This is our goal, our target but the problem is we keep getting in the way and our own interest keep hopping up and intoxicating our minds. We must empty ourselves daily and find out what it means to suffer the loss of the cross (self-importance) and truthfully, before the eyes of God alone, with the door shut —- surrender —- die to self —- everyday —- and —- follow —- that
    still small voice! He must increase, we must decrease!

    Reply
    • “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” – Hebrews 12:1b-2a NIV

      When I keep my eyes on Jesus, and follow where he leads, then he is glorified. It is when I take my eyes off him, and look to myself that I go astray.

      Reply
  4. If we are led by the spirit of god we will be continually led to the word of god, where the spirit breathes life into those words. Then we can know his will for us moment by moment, letting our heart rule and not our head. Jesus said he gave us a heart to know/believe him. He is a spirit and we have a spirit. This is were he speaks…. that small still voice will guide you in all that you do if you are willing to go. There can be reservations or it will be impossible to hear….pride….self will is all that is. If we are willing to leave our will and follow him, we will know his voice and which way to go. In everything we do. Ultimately glorifying god in all you do….. its all him….and only by him. Your natural mind is an enemy of god.

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  5. Thank you for this. I am a runner and your metaphor just clicked. What a simple guide you give to check ourselves with.
    Thank you.
    Blessings
    Matt

    Reply

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