1 Corinthians 10:31

Whether. In conclusion Paul sets forth a rule that is simple, easily understood, yet comprehensive, profound, and far reaching. Consciously and with unwavering determination the Christian must do everything, even the routine items of daily life, in such a way that God, not man, is honored. Such a course calls for constant dedication of all the powers of mind and body to Him, and daily surrender of all one’s being to His Spirit (see Prov. 18:10; 1 Cor. 15:31; 2 Cor. 4:10; Col. 3:17).

Eat, or drink. Primarily the application is to the question of eating or drinking that which has any part in idol worship, but the admonition has a general application to food and drink of all kinds. Men are given the power of choice, but the Christian will exercise his choice at all times in a way that meets with the approval of God. Health must be protected as well as character (see 2T 70; Ed 195). Food and drink are of major importance in relation to the preservation of health. Many illnesses that afflict mankind are due to errors in diet (see MH 295; CD 122, 123). God requires men to care for their bodies and to keep them fit to be temples of His Spirit (see 1 Cor. 6:19, 20). Hence, Christians must learn how to select food and drink that will not injure the body, but will promote health, both mental and physical (see CD 118, 119). The ancient Israelites were assured that God would preserve them in health if they would obey His instructions (see Ex. 15:26; Deut. 7:12-15; cf. ch. 28:58-61). This He will do for His people now if they will follow His counsel and take into their bodies only those things that are in harmony with His laws (see Gen. 1:29; 3:18; Lev. 11:2-31; Eccl. 10:17; 1 Cor. 10:6; CD 121; MH 113; DA 824; CH 168). The Christian ideal is the original diet provided by the Creator in Eden (Gen. 1:29).

Whatsoever ye do. The injunction is broadened to include all the actions and plans of life. Christians are not at liberty to follow the promptings of the natural, unconverted heart and the impulses of the unregenerate body. They are under obligation to bring every thought, word, and deed into harmony with God’s revealed will (see Col. 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11; AA 482, 483; 2T 590, 591). The religion of Christ concerns all the affairs of man, whether in the physical, the mental, or the spiritual realm. The redemption provided in Christ is a complete redemption that applies to the entire man (see Rom. 8:5-9, 13, 14; 1 Cor. 9:27; Gal. 5:16, 24; 1 Thess. 5:23; CH 67, 68).

Glory. Or, “honor” (see on Rom. 3:23). The Christian’s first motive in living in harmony with the laws of God should be to promote the honor of God. This motive arises from his love for God and his desire to please his Maker (see John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). All the energies of the soul should be used to advance the interests of God’s kingdom, and so to honor God.