November 9, 2026 - 1 Corinthians 8-10

Lots of instruction here regarding the living of the Christian life:  on marriage and singleness, food offered to idols, service, running the race, warnings against idolatry, head coverings, the Lord's Supper.  A couple of Paul’s instructions catch my attention:  “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor” (10:24), which is consistent with his instruction to the Philippians:  “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).  So much of the trouble found in churches is a direct result of church members failing to put others before self.  And, then, there is this, a good summary, I think, of these chapters:  “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful.  All things are lawful, but not all things build up. . . . So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (10:23,31).  Put God and others first.  To do so is but to imitate Christ.

May the mind of Christ, my Savior,

live in me from day to day,

by His love and pow'r controlling

all I do and say.

May the word of God dwell richly

in my heart from hour to hour,

so that all may see I triumph

only through His pow’r.

May I run the race before me,

strong and brave to face the foe,

looking only unto Jesus

as I onward go.   -- Kate Barclay Wilkinson (1925)