1 Corinthians 10:31-33 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God: Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

This morning’s reading reminds me of the extent Paul was willing to go and the things he was willing to sacrifice to see people saved. This chapter and the last deals with liberties and even rights that he chose to forego for the sake of the furtherance of the Gospel, and to limit any change that the Gospel might be hindered. He chose not to take a salary, or gifts. He chose to take a higher road, and to be far above approach. He was willing to sacrifice finances, fame, and even a wife for the sake of the Gospel, if it meant some might be saved.

Paul said “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.” My dad used to give us the “good, better, best speech”. My siblings all knew what it was. There are good kids. There are good things. But there’s also better, and best. And my dad constantly tried to get us to choose that which was best, over that which was OK or good.

The reading warrants this question: What am I willing to forego or sacrifice for the Gospel’s sake? Yes, I could have some of the nice things. Yes, I could make a name for myself. Yes, I could partake in “rightful” things that are available. But just because I can, doesn’t mean I should. There are “better” and “best” choices.  Are there things I can give up, forego, or change so that more people might be saved? I’d assume that a thorough assessment will shew that there are at least some things in all of us, whether time, talents, or treasures. Might we be willing to give them up for the sake of the lost, and for the cause of Christ.