Everything a Christian does should be done for the glory of God and for the salvation of people.
In 1 Corinthians 10:31–33, the apostle Paul shows that the question of faith concerns not only worship services, but also daily conduct, honesty, influence on others, and the motives of the heart.
The apostle Paul concludes an important chapter on Christian freedom with a very practical principle. He does not reduce spiritual life to a list of what is permitted and forbidden. Instead, he asks a deeper question: does this glorify God, does it bring good to one’s neighbor, and could it become a stumbling block for someone? For the Adventist understanding of Christian life, this passage is especially important because it unites holiness, mission, and daily responsibility.
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!” 1 Cor 10:31
“Give no offense either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,” 1 Cor 10:32
“just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” 1 Cor 10:33
God’s glory as the main criterion
Paul says that even the most ordinary things—food, drink, everyday matters—can and should be part of worship to God. This means that faith is not limited to the Sabbath, prayer, or Bible reading. It is revealed in one’s attitude toward work, time, people, and personal responsibilities.
For Seventh-day Adventists, this echoes the biblical principle of a whole life: body, mind, and spirit belong to God. Therefore, we ask not only, “Is this not a sin?” but also, “Does this reflect God’s character?” If a person at work dishonestly uses paid time for personal matters, even religious ones, this no longer fully matches the principle of “all to the glory of God.” God is glorified not only by preaching, but also by conscientiousness.
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Col. 3:23
Christian freedom is not permission for selfishness
Throughout chapter 10, Paul explains that not everything that is allowed is beneficial. A Christian is free in Christ, but this freedom is not given for self-pleasing. It is subject to love and the salvation of others. That is why a faithful disciple of Jesus does not look for loopholes to justify himself, but seeks a way to be honest before God and people.
In practice, this especially applies to work. If a person has been entrusted with certain time and duties, then faithfulness to God will be shown in a responsible attitude toward those duties. Of course, there are pauses, breaks, permitted free time—then Bible reading or spiritual reflection may be appropriate and blessed. But if religious activity becomes a cover for neglecting work, this contradicts the spirit of the text.
Ellen White repeatedly emphasized that a Christian should reveal Christ in accuracy, reliability, and honesty. She wrote that true religion is shown in the smallest duties of life. This is very close to Paul’s thought: God’s glory is revealed not only in words, but also in character.
Not being a stumbling block to others
Paul warns, “Give no offense.” Here it is not simply about not irritating anyone. It is about real spiritual influence. A believer’s behavior can either draw people closer to Christ or push them away.
If coworkers see that a Christian talks about God but at the same time treats work carelessly, this creates a poor witness. If an employer notices dishonesty, then even good words about faith lose their power. That is why Paul thinks not only about his freedom, but also about the impression his life makes on Jews, Greeks, and the church.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt 5:16
This is an important missionary principle. People evaluate the gospel not only by what we preach, but also by how we live. Therefore, sometimes the best witness at work will not be an open Bible at an inappropriate moment, but impeccable honesty, calmness, kindness, and faithfulness to duty.
Seeking the benefit of many, that they may be saved
Paul reveals another motive: not to seek one’s own advantage, but the good of many. This is a very high standard. It calls us to examine not only our actions, but also our motives. Am I really doing this for God’s glory, or simply because it is convenient for me? Am I calling spiritual ministry something that is actually a personal priority during someone else’s paid time?
True love for people does not violate justice. If I want someone to come closer to Christ through me, I cannot allow myself actions that appear dishonest. The salvation of many is connected with the reputation of the believer, trust in the church, and whether the character of Christ is visible in us.
“Let no one seek only his own, but each one the other’s well-being.” 1 Cor 10:24
Practical application for daily life
So, 1 Corinthians 10:31–33 teaches a simple but demanding principle. Before any decision, it is helpful to ask yourself three questions: does this glorify God? does this bring good to others? could this become a temptation or a bad example?
In the work context, this means being honest with time, respecting agreements, not covering personal matters with spiritual wording, and at the same time using legitimate opportunities to testify of Christ. In the family, this means serving those close to us with love. In the church, it means seeking not our own interests, but the good of the community. In matters of lifestyle, it means choosing what reflects God’s holiness.
In closing, it is worth remembering: God calls us not merely to avoid evil, but to live in such a way that through us others may see the beauty of the gospel. A practical step for today is this: before important everyday decisions, pray briefly and ask, “Lord, how can I do this for Your glory and for the good of others?” Such a habit forms a character that testifies of Christ more powerfully than many words.
