Focus
Stop and thank God for being present with you today. Ask for God’s guidance as you hear God’s voice through scripture and the writer.
Read
1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 (NRSV)
“All things are lawful,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Do not seek your own advantage, but that of the other. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience, for “the earth and its fullness are the Lord’s.” If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, out of consideration for the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience— I mean the other’s conscience, not your own. For why should my liberty be subject to the judgment of someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why should I be denounced because of that for which I give thanks?
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for 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, so that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Reflect
My father was a Little League coach when I was growing up. Even before I was old enough to play for his team, I often watched the practices. Dad wanted his team to win. He wanted to put the best players on the field every single game. But even more important to him than winning was that his players try as hard as they could during practice and during the game. He believed that if you tried your best when you practiced, then all the other stuff would eventually fall into place.
When we participate in anything, we should always try to put our best foot forward. Whether it’s being hospitable to guests, preaching a sermon, teaching a group of children, or driving a truck, we are called to put our best foot forward with everything we do. We are to try our hardest, give it all we’ve got, put in 110% on every play!
Winning is fantastic, but it’s not the winning that makes God happy. With God it’s not about being the fastest, strongest, or smartest. Giving the best effort we can glorifies God more than any trophy or award. We might only see our failures, but when we do our best, God counts it as success.
Pray
Gracious Lord, you are great and glorious. You give us your all every day. Forgive us when we refuse to give our all to you. Help us to try our hardest. You don’t ask us to win every game, or be the best in every contest. You simply call us to try our hardest, which is one way we can show you glory and honor. Amen.
Go with God.
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