Decisions, Decisions Part 4
Rob Willey, Senior Pastor, Harvest Davenport, Iowa
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. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. - 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
In the previous devotionals we’ve been looking at a biblical framework for making a decision. We’ve found five questions we should ask ourselves: Is it helpful, constructive, other-oriented, okay, or harmful? And now, for the final two.
6. Is it God-glorifying? (v31)
Paul says in v. 31, So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. From worship to work, ministry to make-up, Bible study to birthdays, discipleship to dishes, love to laughter, and birth to death . . . Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Do it all, to make Him look good. That’s what it means. Do it all to reflect the majesty, beauty, greatness, goodness, power, riches, might, and honor—that are already God’s, and just waiting to be magnified by our lives. If we would just keep this one question perpetually before us, I’m convinced it would not only change our decisions, but transform our lives.
But it requires a fundamental change of focus from ourselves to God. And that’s not the norm. Our norm is to glorify ourselves, to make our lives and our decisions, all about us. But the fact is, this life is not about us, nor are the decisions we make, all about us. It’s about God. So ask yourself—is it God-glorifying?
And lastly . . .
7. Is it winsome? (v32-33)
Is the course of action you’re considering attractive, endearing, and appealing to those around you? Will they be drawn to your manner of living and thinking as a result of your decision? Does it give you a greater chance of leading them to the Lord? That’s the point of making winsome decisions in your life—to win souls. Like Paul says, “Give no offense.” As in, don’t unnecessarily offend.
And try to do so with everyone, believers and unbelievers, in everything. How? By not seeking your own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. Imitate Paul so that many may be saved, and all would be blessed. That’s the point of winsome decisions.
So whether it’s 20, or 200 decisions on any given day, make sure they’re helpful, constructive, other-oriented, okay, not harmful, God-glorifying, and winsome.
Journal:
Why isn’t it easier to make decisions based on what Paul outlines in 1 Corinthians?
How will using these questions change the way I live?
Prayer: Father, it’s in You that we live and move and have our being. We want to do all things for your glory, including making decisions. I want to make decisions that are helpful, constructive, winsome and glorifying to You that many may be saved. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
