The scripture for today, October 24 (10/24), is 1st Corinthians 10:24 as found in the New Testament of the Bible:

“Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.”

The context of this verse is that some of the members of the church in Corinth were expressing opinions or doing things that were offensive to some of the other members. They hurt the consciences of some of the weaker members.  

Everyone struggles with their ego sometimes.  Usually, we do not even realize our ego is involved.  It is so very hard to see ourselves as others do and to see ourselves as God does.

Do you ever do anything during the public worship that is offensive to some people? Do you do them as an example of how “holy” you are? Do you even try to get God on your side and say that any Christian could do those things if they had as much faith as you do?

What about committee meetings? Do you love saying no to every suggestion because it makes you feel powerful?  Do you ever suggest something that the others just aren’t excited about? Do you allow your ego to eventually, seep in and begin to feel slighted or challenged because your idea wasn’t accepted? Do you even try to get God on your side and say he will be more glorified if the other committee members accept your plan?

One way to look at things objectively is to ask yourself, “Would my congregation survive without me?” What if I were killed in an auto accident and suddenly taken from them tomorrow? Would they continue to worship? Would they continue to do good works? Would they continue to meet as a congregation? Ninety-nine percent of the time, your congregation would survive without you.

“Lord, I guess I never looked at myself that way. I love you so much, I want others to know you better. Maybe I should express my worship alone as much as I do in public. Maybe I should do more good works alone without a committee. Help me know what to do. Help me. Lord, see myself as they do, and as you do.”

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365 PEARLS OF WISDOM: GOD’S SOUL TO YOURS daily provides one proverb and one passage from Job, Psalms, Ecclesiastes or Song of Solomon.  Since it is illegal to quote a modern Bible for an entire book, it provides close modern paraphrases of each verse.  This is part of the TOUCHING GOD SERIES of three books.  To BUY now, click a book cover or paste this:  https://bit.ly/365PearlsOfWisdom

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365 Pearls of Wisdom: God’s Soul to Yours