Do you have a goal? Maybe you want to lose 10 pounds or build up to running a marathon. The right goals can be helpful and motivating. They give us direction and focus. They help us plan, challenging us to solve problems and overcome obstacles. They act like a beacon, guiding us toward growth.

But not all goals are so positive. Sometimes we fix ourselves on personal gain. Some goals harm us and even lead us to sin. In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul is addressing conflict in the Corinthian church. Members had competing values and goals. They were a church divided. Some pursued social status and pleasure, while others were promoting abstinence and piety.

The specific issues here were the consumption of meat sold in the marketplace and the invitation to a meal in an unbeliever’s home. To guide their decision-making process, Paul offered several principles: 1) They should choose what was beneficial and constructive (v. 23); 2) They should consider the good of others above themselves (v. 24); 3) They should enjoy what God created (v. 26); 4) They should consider the conscience and temptation of weaker believers and not lead them to sin (vv. 28–29, 32); 5) They should give gratitude to God (v. 30).

Paul challenged them to commit to one main goal: God’s glory. He said that no matter what the Corinthians decided to do, they should “do it all for the glory of God” (v. 31). Nothing matters more than this. It is the plumb- line by which all decisions can be made and all goals can be set. As we set our own goals, we should ask: Will this bring Him glory? When together we pursue the main goal of honoring God, we demonstrate our love.

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