In our walk with Christ, we often struggle with putting ourselves first instead of focusing on others and God. Understanding how to live for both the good of others and God’s glory is essential for spiritual growth and avoiding idolatry in our lives.
What is Idolatry in Modern Life?
Idolatry isn’t just about worshipping statues – it’s anything we elevate above God in our lives.
This can include:
- Our own desires and wants
- Material possessions
- Cultural values that conflict with God’s word
- Mixing worldly values with Christian faith
Two Essential Principles for Christian Living
Paul outlines two guiding principles that help us avoid idolatry and live faithfully:
- Living for the good of others
- Living for God’s glory
These principles work together – we cannot separate them or prioritize one over the other.
How Can We Build Others Up?
Paul emphasizes that everything we do should benefit and build up others:
- Look beyond our own interests
- Consider how our actions affect others
- Show love without qualifiers or conditions
- Put others’ needs before our own comfort
Five Ways to Glorify God in Everything
- Avoid being intentionally offensive to anyone
- Try to please others when possible (without compromising God’s truth)
- Seek others’ benefit over personal gain
- Focus on helping others find salvation
- Follow Christ’s example and lead others to do the same
Why Does This Matter?
When we fail to love others or harbor bitterness, our spiritual growth becomes stunted. We cannot truly glorify God while holding onto:
- Pride
- Covetousness
- Idolatry
- Bitterness toward others
Life Application
This week, challenge yourself to:
- Examine your heart for any idols or areas where you’re putting yourself first
- Ask these questions before actions and decisions:
- Does this benefit and build up others?
- Does this glorify God?
Look for specific ways to serve others, even when it’s inconvenient
Reflection Questions:
- Are there people in your life you struggle to love or serve?
- What areas of your life might be elevated above God?
- How can you intentionally build others up this week?
- Are your actions pointing others toward salvation?
Remember: True spiritual growth comes when we learn to look beyond ourselves and live for both the good of others and the glory of God.
