February 17th - Reflection

1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 (NRSV)
Do not seek your own advantage
"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.

Reflection
It's not about me. It's about God and my neighbor. Jesus paid a great price to free me from the bondage of sin. In that sin, I failed to uphold the law. But now I live in the glory of Jesus and live to bring glory to God. As I live in the glory of God, I in turn, show God's glory by loving my neighbor as God has loved me.

Now all things are lawful and to be used to build up my neighbor and enrich them with the love of Christ. And to do this, I imitate Christ, giving up myself to my neighbor. Way easier said than done. So, don't twist this to put forth an arrogant, judgmental position. Take it as it is...a humble, serving, loving, caring position. Love your neighbor.

Prayer
Lord, you paid a great price for my sin. May I not cheapen it by twisting your love into some arrogance over another sinner. But may I humbly love my brother, my sister, my neighbor, as you have loved me. --- Amen