Pleasing Others For Their Salvation
The Word of the Day is "please." In our reading of 1 Corinthians 10:28-11:7, St. Paul gives the motivation for relating to others. He writes, "Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, just as I also, please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved" (vs. 33).
In this passage, St. Paul ends his discussion of eating meat offered to idols with the principle of considering others before oneself. In whatever we do, Paul says we should "please" others. The Greek means that we should "seek the favor" of others. In other words, as far as possible, we should be agreeable, giving no "offense" that would cause others to stumble spiritually or morally.
From our perspective, we might question Paul's advice. How much should we adapt ourselves to others? Does our concern for others' opinions control us, preventing the development of our own ideas and identity? Paul's answer is a balance. We should be considerate of others, but not to the extent that we lose our individuality. We should not let others define us, but we should be mindful of their feelings and circumstances, always remembering our identity in Christ.
Paul's response is found in the surrounding verses of our reading. The apostle has already stated that in matters of food offered to idols, we should consider the conscience of others. Here, Paul is merely extending this principle to our overall relationships. We should act with empathy, understanding the feelings, understandings, and circumstances of others. This doesn't mean we should let others control us, but we should always keep a caring motivation in mind. Our primary concern in our relationships should be the good of others, not our own benefit. And the greatest good we can desire for them is that 'they might be saved' (vs. 33), that they might share in the promise of salvation through faith.
For Reflection
Paul's paramount concern was the salvation of all with whom he came in contact, whether Jew or Gentile. Here, the apostle expands that desire to all believers. To that end, he would have us "imitate" him just as he "imitates" Christ (vs. 11.1) . The word for "imitate" is mimétés, and suggests that we should "mimic" him. As a mirror reflects our image, our behavior should be like a mirror that reflects the example of Paul, inspiring others to become disciples of Christ.
To follow Paul's example, we should share his missionary mindset. If we were missionaries in a faraway land, we would always be conscious of our purpose for living in that foreign society. But I suggest that we already live in a society where many are either ignorant of or misunderstand the Gospel. If we see ourselves as "missionaries," we will be careful not to offend those whom we want to open their ears to hear the Good News of the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment