Paul makes a striking statement in 1 Corinthians 10:33:
“I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.”
At first glance, this might sound like Paul is simply trying to win approval. But that’s not the case. Paul wasn’t driven by the need to be liked—he was driven by the desire to see people come to know Christ. His aim was not popularity, but salvation.
A Life of Sacrifice
The context of this verse is Paul’s teaching on freedom. As Christians, we are free in Christ. We are not bound by the same religious restrictions that once defined God’s people. Yet Paul reminds us that freedom should never be used selfishly. Just because I can do something doesn’t mean I should.
For Paul, the question was never, “How far can I go with my freedom?” but rather, “How can I use my freedom to bless others?” If eating certain foods, drinking certain drinks, or exercising certain rights would cause another believer to stumble, Paul was willing to give them up. Love was more important than liberty.
The Example of Christ
This attitude is nothing less than Christlike. Philippians 2 tells us that Jesus did not cling to His divine privileges, but humbled Himself and became a servant—even to the point of death on a cross. If the Son of God could lay aside His rights for our salvation, how can we not do the same for the sake of others?
A Countercultural Way to Live
We live in a culture that celebrates self-expression, personal rights, and doing whatever feels best for me. But Paul shows us a better way: living not for self, but for others. This doesn’t mean we compromise our convictions or water down the gospel. It means we order our lives with the awareness that how we live impacts the faith of others.
Think about it:
- How might my words today build up or tear down someone’s faith?
- Could my actions be a bridge to Christ, or a barrier?
- Am I willing to set aside my own comfort to make the way clearer for someone else to find Jesus?
Living Beyond Myself
Paul lived beyond himself because eternity was at stake. His goal was simple but profound: “so that many may be saved.” That’s what drove his decisions, shaped his lifestyle, and fueled his ministry.
That same calling rests on us today. Each of us has opportunities—at work, at home, in our churches, even in the grocery store line—to live in a way that points people to Christ. The question is: will we live for ourselves, or will we live beyond ourselves so that many may be saved?
