1 Corinthians 10:31 - A Maxim for Living!

1Co.10:31: A Maxim for Living!

1 Cor 10:31 (KJV)  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or
whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

1 Cor 10:31 (CEV)  When you eat or drink or do anything else,
always do it to honor God.

In eating and drinking, and in all we do, we should aim at the
glory of God, at pleasing and honouring him. [Matthew Henry
Commentary]

Here is a principle that is to underlie every motive, thought,
and act. GW127,8

Paul sets forth a rule that is simple, easily understood, yet
comprehensive, profound, and far reaching. Consciously and with unwavering
determination the Christian must do everything, even the routine items of
daily life, in such a way that God, not man, is honored. Such a course
calls for constant dedication of all the powers of mind and body to
Him, and daily surrender of all one's being to His Spirit. [SDA
Commentary]

The phrase "the glory of God" is equivalent to the honor of
God;... we live to the glory of God when we honor him in all the
relations which he sustains to us; when we keep his laws; when we partake
of his favors with thankfulness, and with a deep sense of our
dependence; when we pray unto him; and when we so live as to lead those
around us to cherish elevated conceptions of his goodness, and mercy,
and holiness.... We should devote the strength which we derive from
the bounties of His hand to His honor and in His service. He gives
us food; He makes it nourishing; He invigorates our frame; and that
strength should not be devoted to purposes of sin, and profligacy, and
corruption. it is an act of high dishonor to God, when HE gives us strength,
that WE should at once devote that strength to pollution and to sin.
(Barnes' Notes)

Christians are not at liberty to follow the promptings of the
natural, unconverted heart and the impulses of the unregenerate body.
They are under obligation to bring every thought, word, and deed into
harmony with God's revealed will. [SDA Commentary]

God's love must so permeate our motives that all we do will be
for his glory. Keep this as a guiding principle by asking, "Is this
action glorifying God?" or "How can I honor God through this action?"
[Life Application SB]

How much better it would be for our ourselves and our families
if we would consider EVERYTHING as belonging to God. We could work
at any job, doing even the most menial task as unto the Lord - and
find joy in doing it!  We could go through trials believing that they
were God-allowed, for His sovereign purposes in our lives, for our
good, and find peace in the midst of them!  We could be content with
what we have, knowing that we belong to the Great God of Creation.
[In His Time; Walk With Wisdom]

If you are a publisher or a pastor, a ditch-digger or a pilot, a
fisherman or a fruit grower, a garage mechanic or a furniture maker, a
writer or a homemaker, an office worker or a congressman ... there are
unique things involved in your moment-by-moment work since you are a
child of the Creator of the universe....
You are to do well, whatever you are doing, to the glory of God
(1Pe.4:11).  Just as flowers that grow on the Alpine peaks, beauty in the
cracks of rocks with perhaps no one ever passing that way, are not
growing in vain because God sees them, so it is true of the human being.
 A person may live alone, walk alone, and feel that no one is
recognizing that he or she is being patient in the tribulation of loneliness
... but God does know, and is aware of the whisper, "I love you,
God.  Please accept my praise as I walk alone today."  This is true
of people in prisons, in concentration camps, in hospital beds, or
in wheelchairs.... "Work" to the glory of God can be come in every
part of life ... which is what makes it all so fair.  No one gets a
bigger opportunity than another.  And no one is "out of work"!  Edith
Schaeffer; [Time with God SB]

These are ten questions you'll want to ask yourself and pray
about when you're faced with a decision. The first five are generic.
They represent moral issues and godly wisdom that are normative for
all times. The next five are questions that you need to ask when
facing a change in direction. Let's take a look at what each question
entails.
First, have you prayed about it? The Lord's Prayer begins with a
petition for His will. Prayer was never intended to be a fourth down
punting situation in which we ask God to bail us out of our hasty
decisions. It was intended to be a first-down huddle. We aren't supposed to
ask God to bless our plans; we are supposed to ask God for His
plans.
Second, is it consistent with the Word of God? In our culture
ignorance is no excuse since resources abound. I believe every home should
have at least a concordance, Bible dictionary, topical Bible, a good
commentary and a study Bible with notes.
Third, can I do it and be a positive Christian witness?
Fourth, will me Lord be glorified?..... Am I seeking the glory of
man or glory of God? Am I doing this to be noticed by man or am I
seeking to please the Lord?
Fifth, am I acting responsibly? God doesn't bail us out of our
irresponsibility. He will let us suffer me consequences of our sins and
irresponsible choices. But when we are faithful in little things, he will put
us in charge of greater things.
Sixth, is it reasonable? God expects us to think. His guidance
may transcend human reasoning, but it never excludes it. God doesn't
bypass our mind.... We are warned in Scripture not to put our mind in
neutral. We are to think and practice what we know to be true
(Philippians 4:8,9).
Seventh, does a realistic opportunity exist? Closed doors are
not meant to be knocked down. If you have a hopeless scheme let it
go. If it isn't God's timing, wait. If a realistic opportunity
exists, and all the other factors are in agreement, then take the
plunge.
Eighth, are unbiased, spiritually sensitive associates in
agreement? Be careful not to consult only those who will agree with you.
Give your advisors permission to ask hard questions. Don't be afraid
of no answers. If it isn't God's will, don't you want to know
before you make the mistake of acting impulsively?
Ninth, do I have a sanctified desire? Don't think that being in
the will of God must always be an unpleasant task. The joy of the
Lord should be our strength.... Is this a desire to satisfy a lust of
the flesh, or a Spirit-filled desire to see God's kingdom
established and people helped?
Tenth, do I have a peace about it? This is an inner peace. In
the world you will have tribulation, but in Christ we have assurance
of overcoming the world. Is the peace of God guarding your heart
and your mind?
If you have been able to answer yes to all ten deciding factors,
what are you waiting for? (From Walking in the Light by Neil
Anderson) [Inspirational SB re Jos.22]