Scripture
I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. 1 Corinthians 10:33
Observation
Paul makes it clear that the world does not revolve around us. Contrary to popular opinion the world doesn’t revolve around what we want, what we like, what is convenient or comfortable for us. “Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others” (vs. 24). Whether Jews or Gentiles, whether believers or unbelievers, whether at the communion table or at the kitchen table our first thought needs to be taking second place. Like Christ, we have been called to serve His purposes rather than our own.
Application
This teaching is the antithesis of our “me-first” culture. That even the good deeds we do that appear altruistic often have self-serving motive like looking altruistic to those around us. What if we actually lived this way? What if we approached every relationship this way? Instead of “What’s In It For Me” we remembered “It’s Not About Me” but what God is doing in the life of the person in front of me. What if it’s not about being right but doing right by the Lord? Jesus washed the feet of His disciples and said “do as I have done”. Recently, I was wrestling through some difficult circumstances with the Lord. I was whining and moaning about how its unfair and it was too hard and then the Lord said so clearly to my spirit, “It’s not about you.” Then, all of sudden, a massive weight was lifted off of my shoulders. I was liberated to follow the Lord in service to others and let Him handle the rest. It turned my focus from me to those around me. What’s best for me is not necessarily God’s best for the people He’s called me to serve. In a self-centered world built on convenience God has called me to inconvenience myself in service to others.
Prayer
Lord, You left the glories of Heaven and came here to serve sinful man with Your life to set us free! You have given me a pattern for living. It’s not about me. It’s about what You are doing in the people around me. Forgive me for my pride that keeps trying to convince me I know what’s best for others and what’s best for them is what’s best for me. Help me to serve Your purposes in those around me. It turns out You’re ok with letting my life remain complex and challenging to lead me back to simple trust in You.
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