Ps. 45-47
Psalm 46 is such a great Psalm! No matter what disasters take place around us, we need not fear. We have a safe place in God, who is mighty above all. God is with us and for us, and all we need to do is “Be still, and know that [He] is God” (Ps 46:10).
1 Cor. 10:19-33
“All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful” (1 Cor 10:23). This is the second time in this letter that Paul has made this statement. He has been trying to drive home the point that we need to consider the effect our actions may have on others. This isn’t about letting what others think dictate my behavior. It is about acting in a way that is advantageous for others whether or not it is advantageous for me. And it is about doing that for God’s glory. God first, others second, myself last. Remembering that the last will be first in God’s kingdom, this doesn’t seem like such a bad thing.
Also, this isn’t about making a martyr of myself or neglecting self-care. Taking care of me is important. But why cling rigidly to my freedom from the law if doing so might create a problem for somebody else? Why push people away by trying to impose trivial convictions on them? And why create friction for the appearance of piety? When I do these things I am living neither for God’s glory nor for the benefit of others. Let me live in such a way that gives preference to both of these things over getting what I want.