|
 As
a small boy, knowing nothing of context, I read 1 Cor. 10:24 and
was puzzled. "Let no man seek his own, but every man
another's wealth." Further reading convinced me that Paul
was saying, "be concerned for the good of others." And
now, after years of reading, this unselfish attitude is
recognized as a principle of Christianity, and universally
needed.
In
chapter eight the man who knew all about liberty in Christ was
told, "knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth."
"Take heed lest... this liberty ...become a stumbling block
to them that are weak." ("Make my brother to
offend" —v.13— does not refer to hurting his feelings,
but cause him to act contrary to conscience and therefore to sin
against God.)
In
chapter nine Paul applies "seeking the good of others"
to preaching. He defends the "rights" of an apostle to
material support, but says God's "right" over him is
greater. "A dispensation of the gospel is committed unto
me" (vs. 15-18), so that I must preach, whether supported
or not. His dedication was to God and to others.
| |
"For
though I be free from all men yet have I made myself servant
unto all, that I might gain the more" (vs. 19-23). So, he
adapted himself (within bounds of his obligation to God)
"that I might by all means save some." He likened this
rigorous self-denial to athletic training for a race (24-27),
and warned that only those who are faithful to the end will win
(10: 1-14). We must not eat and drink of God's blessings, and
then "rise up to play" — content with self-interest.
Paul
points out that a thing right within itself (eating meat) may
have a sinful connotation or significance. Bread and fruit of
the vine may become means of fellowship with Christ. Partaking
of the Jewish altar signified fellowship therewith; and to the
pagan, the same was true with reference to meat offered to his
gods. So, when significance is attached (v.28) it is better to
forego your "right" to eat, than to cause another to
sin.
How
different the world — even the "church" — would be
if we were "—not seeking mine own profit but the profit
of many, that they may be saved."
[Previous
Article] [Next
Article]
|
