In 1 Corinthians 10:31\u201333, 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.<\/em><\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cTherefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God!\u201d 1 Cor 10:31<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cGive no offense either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God,\u201d 1 Cor 10:32<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \u201cjust as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.\u201d 1 Cor 10:33<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Paul says that even the most ordinary things\u2014food, drink, everyday matters\u2014can 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\u2019s attitude toward work, time, people, and personal responsibilities.<\/p>\n 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, \u201cIs this not a sin?\u201d but also, \u201cDoes this reflect God\u2019s character?\u201d If a person at work dishonestly uses paid time for personal matters, even religious ones, this no longer fully matches the principle of \u201call to the glory of God.\u201d God is glorified not only by preaching, but also by conscientiousness.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.\u201d Col. 3:23<\/a><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2014then 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s thought: God\u2019s glory is revealed not only in words, but also in character.<\/p>\n Paul warns, \u201cGive no offense.\u201d Here it is not simply about not irritating anyone. It is about real spiritual influence. A believer\u2019s behavior can either draw people closer to Christ or push them away.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nGod\u2019s glory as the main criterion<\/h2>\n
Christian freedom is not permission for selfishness<\/h2>\n
Not being a stumbling block to others<\/h2>\n