1 Cor 10:31
By: Dave
1 Cor 10:31
Whether therefore ye eat , or drink , or whatsoever ye do , do all to the glory of God.
What does (whether therefore) mean?
In todays speech we would possibly use the term (if and when). Meaning you will eat and drink, so when you do, do it to the glory of God.
Why would Paul use the example of eating? Isn't eating just a mundane thing?
Prov 23:20 Be not among winebibbers ; among riotous eaters of flesh: 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty : and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.
Prov 23:2 And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.
Prov 28:7 Those who keep the law are wise children, but companions of gluttons shame their parents.
Physical appetites are an analogy of our ability to control ourselves. If we are unable to control our eating habits, we are probably also unable to control other habits, such as those of the mind (lust, covetousness, anger) and unable to keep our mouths from gossip or strife. We are not to let our appetites control us, but we are to have control over our appetites.
Deut 21:20 They shall say to the elders of his town, "This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey us. He is a glutton and a drunkard." 21 Then all the men of the town shall stone him to death. So you shall purge the evil from your midst; and all Israel will hear, and be afraid.
God has blessed us by filling the earth with foods that are delicious, nutritious, and pleasurable. We should honor God's creation by enjoying these foods and by eating them in appropriate quantities. God calls us to control our appetites, rather than allowing them to control us.
If so much was made over simply eating where do we start with our day to day living, interacting with others in daily routine. Does our daily life Glorify God?