How to be People Pleasers

1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1

All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without raising any question on the ground of conscience. For the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof.

If one of the unbelievers invites you to dinner and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you without raising any question on the ground of conscience. But if someone says to you, “This has been offered in sacrifice,” then do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for the sake of conscience—I do not mean your conscience, but his. For why should my liberty be determined by someone else’s conscience? If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced because of that for which I give thanks?

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

The Goal: Being People Pleasers for the Gospel

The goal in this portion of scripture is specific instruction on how we can be people pleasers—how we should be people pleasers. This may seem contradictory to Galatians 1, where Paul says if he were trying to please men, he would not be a servant of Christ. But the contexts differ. In Galatians, he's addressing those who please others without the gospel or the goal of salvation. Here, his focus is not giving unnecessary offense so the gospel can advance unhindered.

The key is understanding people accurately and meeting them where they are—not to compromise doctrine or the gospel, but to remove barriers. For example, you wouldn't enter a Jewish friend's home slapping bacon everywhere; that's an unnecessary offense. Jump through hoops that are not sin to gain an open door for the gospel. The offense then lies with the gospel itself, not your actions.

Paul lays out instructions on restraining activity for salvation's sake, paying attention to those in our sphere of influence, meeting them where they are to advance the gospel.

1. Paul's Response to the Argument: “All Things Are Lawful”

Paul responds to the Corinthian argument, “All things are lawful.” In context, some knew meat sacrificed to idols was no big deal, but their knowledge puffed up and damaged weaker consciences. Paul says if it bothers a brother or sister, he won't eat meat again.

Though not everything unlawful is sin, Paul's practical response is crucial, especially for youth navigating entertainment or activities without direct biblical commands. He offers three points:

Not Everything Is Helpful (Profitable)

Not everything brings harmony, unity, or advantage to yourself or others—especially other Christians. “Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” Neighbor means anyone in your sphere: believers and unbelievers.

Ask: Does this bring glory to God? Edification to believers? Salvation to the lost? If a “lawful” activity doesn't, reconsider it. Even sports, wine, or tattoos: Does it hinder unity, gospel advancement, or God's glory?

Your life's purpose—unity in Christ, gospel advancement, God's glory—governs everything. You're spiritually connected to your local body, even outside gatherings. A little leaven leavens the lump. Be a Christian first, before politics, sports, or hobbies. Church membership integrates you, making your actions matter for the body.

Not Everything Builds Up

Not everything edifies—builds the body like a structure. Chocolate or Legos might seem fun but melt or fail. Does this activity make brothers and sisters better Christians? Equip them to live responsibly, more like Christ?

If it hinders even one person's growth, repentance, or effectiveness, stop. If neutral, enjoy in moderation. But if not helping, what's the point?

Seek the Good of Others, Not Your Own

Stop seeking your own good; seek your neighbor's—for salvation (unbelievers) or effectiveness in Christ (believers). This counters self-focused culture. Christ's example: He sought others' good, received glory as byproduct. God is other-oriented; so should we.

2. Paul's Reasonable Advice

Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without question on conscience—for the earth is the Lord's. If an unbeliever invites you to dinner and you want to go, eat whatever is set before you. Don't interrogate about idols.

But if informed, “This was sacrificed,” don't eat—for their conscience, not yours. Your liberty isn't determined by theirs; you don't change your knowledge that it's not sin. Partake with thankfulness unless it bothers another.

Don't obsess over hidden offenses—you can't control everything. But if known (e.g., alcohol near a recovering alcoholic), abstain. Engage unbelievers for gospel opportunities; eat even disgusting food thankfully. Friendship with the world isn't enmity if gospel-directed.

3. Do All to the Glory of God

Whether you eat, drink, or do anything—do it to God's glory. Give no unnecessary offense to Jews, Greeks, or the church. Paul tried to please everyone, seeking others' advantage for salvation.

You're Christian first. In debates, activities, entertainment—if it hinders gospel integrity or church unity, stop. Can you thank God for it? Does it build neighbors or advance salvation?

Imitate Paul as he imitates Christ: Seek God's glory, others' good, no hindrance to the gospel. Lay no offense except the gospel confronting sin. Bigger issues like immorality and idolatry matter more; grow in holiness, and lesser ones fade.

Be more like Paul, more like Christ.