AN OUTWARD FOCUS
1 Corinthians 10:23–33
There is a popular segment on social media that features celebrities and other people eating chicken wings. While the host interviews the willing participant, that person begins to sample various wings.
The appeal of this entertainment is that, with each passing wing, the spice and temperature levels increase. While most who subject themselves to this temporary torture usually end up with tears and runny noses, there is occasionally someone who is not affected by the spiciness of the chicken. My thinking is that there is no reason to willingly test your endurance of discomfort when you don’t have to.
This also applies to Christians. As believers and Americans, we are quick to defend and assert the rights we have. While you and I can eat all the hot wings we want, is that the best decision? We may have the liberty to do certain things as Christians, but it is important to consider whether they are beneficial to our witness and to others. Just because you can do something does not always mean you should.
Do what is beneficial to others. (23–24)
Imagine a world — or even a church — where each person intentionally sought the betterment and welfare of others before themselves. What a kind and gentle place that would be. I would even suggest to you that it would be a more productive place. So many times in church life, we can be tempted to develop tunnel vision.
With tunnel vision, we only consider our own opinions and feelings. When we do that, we isolate ourselves and also limit the effectiveness of the Church. The gospel of Jesus is many things, but perhaps most importantly, it is inclusive. God loves the world, and He loves a variety of people — even the ones we do not necessarily relate to or understand.
Don’t offend others unnecessarily. (25–30)
I can recall many years ago my dad having a sticker on the rear of his vehicle of a particular music artist. Someone in the church felt the artist was offensive and told my dad. As a result, my dad removed the decal. He thought it was easier to remove the sticker than argue. If it meant helping his testimony, that would be a good thing too.
Some people are immature and shallow. They seem to enjoy being offended. But we all can use this reminder: Just because I am offended does not mean I am right. Still, if we can avoid offending someone and damaging our testimony as a Christian, we should. Their souls are more important than our preferences.
Seek the benefit of others and the glory of God. (31–33)
Your life is a sermon more powerfully proclaimed than any pastor with a pulpit. It is on display for the world to see. Are the decisions you make and the priorities you set pointing others closer to or farther away from Jesus? We cannot overestimate the possibilities we each have to reach people for Christ simply by how we treat others.
Christ Himself came to serve others. We are wise to follow His example. The souls of our loved ones are much more important than our supposed rights and opinions. This type of life requires humility and discipline. Ask Jesus to shift your focus today.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
