1 Corinthians 10:31

Amygotgrace said:

Hello!
I am new here and joined the forum for Christian fellowship since my kids are grown and I'm home alone now. I do have fellowship at church but thought it would be nice to be able to discuss things here also. And that brings me to the verse. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says: Therefore whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. It's the "whatever you do" that has me stumped. How are we to bring glory to God in everything we do? For example, when I am at home watching a baseball game I don't see any way to bring glory to God in that. But the Bible clearly states that we are to bring glory to God in "whatever we do." Any thoughts?

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Welcome to the forums!

1 Corinthians 10:31 is part of a discourse from St. Paul urging Christians to not make idols of things of this earth. (He rattles off a list of 'don't dos').
Food, drink and proper sexuality are just a few of the things he lists as things that are to be properly discerned as belonging to God, and not to idols or treated as idols themselves. And when, in verse 31 he says: 'whatever you do', he is continuing his thought that we are, as Christians, to bear in mind that all things are from God. I suppose, to use your example of watching baseball, the crucial point he is making that becomes relevant for us, is to not make an idol of baseball. To not let baseball take priority over God in our daily lives. To be thankful to God that we can take comfort and see Him in the gifts and talents of the players. Perhaps, we can even find ways to use baseball watching to bring others closer to God? Does the ability to talk knowledgable about baseball allow you to have conversations with others? Could that become a springboard to a conversation about the gospel?
I won't pretend to know God's purpose in all things, but it is certainly possible that watching baseball can be a way to honor God...but it is something you will have to prayerfully consider for yourself.
To return to the specific verse, when taken in the context of all of chapter 10, I would speculate that the main point from St. Paul was to not treat things of this earth as if they were higher than God in importance to our lives. The context of the chapter seems to indicate that Paul was being accused (as Jesus was) of dining with those who were not considered 'worthy', and this might have caused some scandal in the church at Corinth. Paul responds with a bit of 'as long as it (being the food and drink) wasn't being offered to idols, God can find purpose in it, and it was more than OK that he dine with these 'sinners'.
So, as a short answer repeated: as long as watching baseball isn't an idol, and becoming more important than God in our lives, we should prayerfully consider what God might want to use this for to bring both ourselves and others closer to Him.

Hope that helps a bit,

Peace in Christ
Hawkiz

Amygotgrace said:

But the Bible clearly states that we are to bring glory to God in "whatever we do." Any thoughts?

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Follow the simple plan called WWJD (What would Jesus do?).

Amygotgrace said:

How are we to bring glory to God in everything we do? For example, when I am at home watching a baseball game I don't see any way to bring glory to God in that. But the Bible clearly states that we are to bring glory to God in "whatever we do." Any thoughts?

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When your at home watching a BB game do you shout at the tv because they are not doing what you would do? or do you sit and enjoy watching people try their best and encourage them, even though they can't hear you, to keep trying?

Hi amy,

Well, there is always the possibility that if we are doing things in our lives that we don't feel we are able to bring glory to God through, maybe...

It isn't something we need to be doing. Now, I don't mean by that we can't watch a ball game,but...

Your reply to keltoi was that you 'love' your baseball, although technically you said that 'we do love our baseball'. Really? You love baseball? I have a saying about love. We like a lot of things, but love is for people.

I like chocolate ice cream and I like key lime pie and I like a lot of foods, but love?

You see, love, defines a relationship of care and responsibility. God loves us. He cares for us and He has taken responsibility for us. He provides for us and watches over us. That's love. It's how a good father and mother feel about and care for their children. It's how children feel about and care for their parents, although maybe not until they're older. Love describes a relationship. In the world we have become accustomed to, and I suppose redefined the word, to its meaning that we just like something a really, really, really lot.

When I hear someone say, "Oh, I just love my pink slippers." Yes, I know what they are trying to say to me, but my heart cringes at the thought.

Paul says that in all things do it for the glory of God.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

Amygotgrace said:

Keltoi, I enjoy the games very much. I am a Chicago Cubs fan and we do love our baseball! I'm not one to shout at the tv. But, I do get excited when the Cubbies are winning!

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Are you gracious fan? By this I mean are you someone who recognises and applauds the skill of the other team? Are you someone who admits the other team was better on the day if they win? Even little things like this show others what your "fruits" are, they see your character and through that God is Glorified.

Your question is appropriate for all to contemplate and reflect constantly. We all need to ask ourselves if our conduct is “Christ like” as much as consciously possible.

In all things that you say or do, ask your self: Would Jesus do/say or do in a situation that I am facing? Would I say/do things differently in his presence? For example, consider the type of entertainment you view, listen or participate in. Do you consume alcohol in moderation? Is you dress appropriate? What association do you keep? Are you confrontational, argumentative, honest, long suffering and so forth? Is your worship conducive to accurate knowledge? (Colossians 1:8) These examples are not conclusive. See Matthew 5:16; Colossians 3:10.