with all sincerity, "What may I do for you," instead of, "What may I do to you to gain some personal profit," it would be a different world altogether! How do we go about concen trating on the other person and any needs he may have? This is explained in verses 28 and 29. It is a case of being concerned lest we cause someone else to stumble. We should not want to do any thing which would be a problem ito another man's conscience. When you see someone else with a prob lem, seek to help him, not to try to tear him down. There are plenty of people in the world willing to do this! That is certainly not a mark of the believer. We do not need to flaunt our own freedom. Get into the study of Scripture to find an answer to their basic areas of concern. We need to pray for such people, as well as asking the Lord for wisdom and grace to help them effectively. There is always the danger of appearing superior to them. Paul wanted to "please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved" (vs. 33). "Prof it" is a key word. It is related to our word "expedient" found in verse 23. After all, life's elements do not have to come out for your personal profit. We are to have the view of others in mind. The success of one's spiritual life in contentment and satisfac tion comes through having the proper goals dominating our life. The exhortation is, "Whether there fore ye eat, or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (vs. 31). We should want men and women to see our Lord reflected
in us and desire Him for them selves. Perhaps I can illustrate it in this manner. The ultimate purpose of Biola faculty, students, staff and graduates is not simply to work in some church or secular vocation, but rather the ultimate is to live to the praise of God's glory (Ephes ians 1:12). If you are really inter ested in building up others this is a good, practical principle to put into effect. While it is your life, you can't just lead it any way you like. It is so easy to "rub" people the wrong way. That is why Paul says we should not give offense to others (vs. 32). These basic prin ciples can be applied not only to our lives personally but also to our church fellowship. We should en deavor to keep from antagonizing others in the household of faith. While we can discuss points of dif ference in doctrine, in Christian love, we should realize that we are united in Christ. We need not give up the distinctive areas about which we feel strongly concerning Scrip ture. Yet, there is no need to be offensive. Paul sees three classes of people in the world. The Jew was the per son under law. The Gentile was the man who had no knowledge of law and was not interested in the Old Testament law. And then, the be liever was the person in the church. Paul had the strong desire to reach each of them without offense. We would do well to follow the Apostle, even as he faithfully fol lowed Christ (I Corinthians 11:1). The word for "followers" really transliterates to mean imitators or mimics of the Saviour. In our daily lives do we really have a concerted desire to be like the Lord? If you want a pattern of such a life con-
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