So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
In the first century, the apostles were required to deal with issues in local churches that appear to be foreign to our contemporary culture – just like issues we wrestle with would be unfamiliar to people of the first century.
And here we see one of them: Corinth was uniquely situated with ports on 3 seas which resulted in it being a significant city of international commerce and wealth. The sea-faring merchants, passengers, soldiers and sailors came to Corinth looking for a good time – and sometimes also for spiritual solace. The city obliged with several varieties of idolatrous temples.
This may seem like a “throwaway” statement. But I’m hoping that from this point forward, you will come to see it as a command that jumps off the page every time you read it! Like the Corinthians of the first century, eating and drinking for us is a commonplace, sometimes mundane, everyday activity. There aren’t many things that we all do more regularly than to eat and drink – whether at a fine restaurant for a special occasion; or getting food on the table for a hungry family about to rush out the door; or eating fast-food and sipping coffee while behind the wheel – we all do it as part of our regular, routine activity. In the same way, Paul encourages us as Christ-followers to make as our daily, routine, everyday activity – as our stated life purpose – the intentional, deliberate focus on honouring the Lord Jesus. Takeaway: Lord, as a follower of Christ, You’ve already given me your Holy Spirit, and with Him the capacity to honour You each day. Please also give me the desire to make as my daily life purpose, the goal of glorifying You.