1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. I. THE GLORY OF GOD IS THE HONOUR WHICH REDOUNDS TO HIS NAME FROM THE EXHIBITIONS OF HIS POWER, WISDOM, AND GOODNESS IN THE NATURAL AND IN THE MORAL WORLD. 1. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Heaven and earth are full of His glory. But to believe, to admire, and to adore, is all the part which we can take in this province of His glory. We cannot in any way contribute to it. 2. The natural world, however, is not the only or the most exalted domain of God's glory. In the kingdom of mind the majesty of God is more especially enthroned. The affections, the moral sentiments, the intellectual faculties proceed most from Him, they are nearest to Him, they are most like Him. In this province we are not only allowed but expected to act. Our Maker has so endowed us that in the hall of His presence and on the steps of His throne we may assume the station of our birthright, and work with Him and for Him. He has given us faculties to be improved, and affections to exercise, and reason that we might regulate all; and we consult His glory by answering these designs. He bids us help forward the cause of holiness and study the happiness of our fellowcreatures; and so far as we obey these commands, we increase the sum and the splendour of His glory in the world; for what is His glory, but the triumph of religion and benevolence? II. BUT WE ARE TOLD TO DO ALL TO HIS GLORY. HOW IS THIS ALL-INCLUDING REQUISITION TO BE FULFILLED? We cannot always have the Deity in our thoughts, nor consider whether every occupation will conduce to His glory. Neither can we be always engaged in the high concerns of worship and piety. How then is the precept to be obeyed? 1. Take an instance from domestic life. When we say of an exemplary son that he conducts himself in all things to the honour of his father, we do not mean that in every transaction he had his father's image and approbation in view, but that he was determined never to bring disgrace upon his father's name, that he was ever watchful of his father's interests, and that he so carried the paternal injunctions in his heart that he referred to them unconsciously, and was preserved by a habit of obedience to them from being guilty of practices which they would condemn. 2. Just in this manner may we, the children of God, do all to His glory. When we read a book we do not slowly spell every word; it would certainly be no proof of our scholarship if we did. The accomplished arithmetician calculates his sums without turning over at every process to the simple tables. Religious principle, well instilled and thoroughly received, is present and operative, though unobtrusively and unostentatiously so, through every chapter, page, and paragraph of life. (F. W. P. Greenwood, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.WEB: Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. |
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