It is good that everything we do be for the glory and honor of God, that we do not glory ourselves in what we do, but that we give thanks to God for allowing us to live and see each new day. We breathe, walk, work, and open our eyes each morning because of His mercy. Many people go to bed each night without knowing that it will be their last, for their time on earth has reached its end. That alone should remind us that every action, every word, and every decision must be rooted in gratitude and humility before the Lord.
We also know that many people seek to do what seems good in their own eyes, yet their works do not please the Lord. They act without considering God’s will, and often their behavior causes harm—both to themselves and to others. When people ignore the consequences of their actions, they fall into the trap of believing that their desires rule their lives, when in reality only God knows what truly benefits or damages the soul.
All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
1 Corinthians 10:23
In this verse, the apostle Paul introduces a powerful principle. He explains that although many things may be allowed, not everything is beneficial or edifying. Some actions may appear harmless, pleasant, or even justified from a human perspective, but they do not contribute to spiritual growth. Paul reminds the Corinthians—and us—that our lives should not be guided by impulsive desires but by the wisdom that comes from above.
This is why it is good and necessary to ask God for direction in everything we do. The Lord knows our future, understands our weaknesses, and sees the hidden dangers that we cannot perceive. He knows what will harm us and what will help us. When we trust in our own understanding, we easily lose our way; but when we submit our plans to the Lord, He aligns our decisions with His perfect will.
The actions we take that do not edify our spirit often inflate our pride or weaken our relationship with God. When we pursue the desires of the flesh, we subtly begin to push God to the background of our priorities. Yet the Scriptures teach us that God must always be first, because only He can determine what is truly good or harmful for our lives. Nothing escapes His wisdom, and nothing is hidden from His eyes.
Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.
1 Corinthians 10:24
This verse touches on another profound truth: Christian life is not centered on selfishness but on love for others. We are called to consider not only our own benefit but also the well-being of those around us. This attitude reflects the heart of Christ, who did not seek His own good but gave His life for humanity. A Christian who lives only for himself has not yet understood the essence of the gospel.
There are moments when we ask God for something and He does not grant it, and in our impatience we wonder: “Lord, why do You not give me what I ask for?” But God sees beyond the present moment. He knows what would exalt us and what would destroy us. He does not withhold blessings out of cruelty, but out of love. A father does not give his child something that will harm him, even if the child insists. Likewise, our Heavenly Father denies us certain things because He knows the future we cannot see.
Let us not despair. God’s timing is perfect, and His ways are higher than ours. Instead of complaining, let us pray with a thankful heart, trusting that whatever He decides—whether yes, no, or wait—comes from His infinite wisdom. Patience is an act of faith, and gratitude is an act of worship. Let us give thanks to God for everything, knowing that His plans for us are always good.
2 comments on “Let no one seek his own”
AMEN
Let no one seek his own
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As a consequence of the love that brothers keep for one another, they will not think about, or seek, their own; but they will think about those people who surround them and that sometimes may be facing difficulties.
If some of us has goods of this world, we ought to think about the needy brother, and to be ready to help others according to our possibilities: material things could help, as well as some advice or indication, trying not to show how wise we are, or our knowledge of things. Christians in Corinth had difficulties of all kinds: in that society, and in particular in the assembly of brothers, unbelievers exerted a great influence, and sometimes they had problems with food, dress or body ornaments.
(Paul said to them:
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.”
(1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
We can find in our meetings that some brother or friend attends the services dressed in a fashion suit, with a shining necklace or watch, or wearing nice earrings—and those things could sometimes make a fuss in some simple brother. We can speak or not speak about such people, we must do things or not do them thinking in our brothers, but the fact is they want to look nice or interesting with the way they dress, but who don’t think about in other’s opinion. The apostle Paul said:
because all things may be lawful but not all are edifying, not all things are expedient for all people.
We must seek those things which are honest, according to moral liking of brothers, even if we consider them nonsense or childish. They can make people be amused rather than be instructed about the gospel’s message.
We must not seek our own opinion or consideration about things in the Church, in the Congregation, so that any brother could make a fuss in his mind for things which are not expedient things. “All is lawful but not all are expedient things.
In general it is good to be aware of what things are not edifying or expedient, with the aim of honoring our Lord God, who is a just and pure being. We ought to do all things for God’s glory.