The good of others
Day 596, Monday, Mar. 30
1 Corinthians 10:23 – 11:1
Paul continues his theme of acting for the good of others rather than for simple obedience to rules. “Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God—even as I try to please everyone in every way.
He is quick to claim the freedom found in Christianity, while urging selfless action. “No one should seek their own good, but the good of others.”
This isn’t to say he considers observance of dietary laws important. “Eat anything sold in the meat market without raising questions of conscience,” he said. “If an unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience.”
But if you are aware that what you are eating harms the conscience of another, it is better to refrain. “I am referring to the other person’s conscience, not yours. For why is my freedom being judged by another’s conscience? If I take part in the meal with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of something I than God for? So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Monday meditation

Psalms 104:19-30
He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. Then people go out to their work, to their labor until evening.
How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.
All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.

Prayer focus
Let us receive all of your gifts with thanksgiving, and use them to your glory.