Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.  (32) Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks, or to the church of God, (33) just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. (11:1) Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

The first letter to the Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul.  In chapter 10 of the letter Paul describes his ministry – Paul lived so as people wouldn’t withdraw/be offended, but instead would be attracted to his preaching of the gospel and be saved; he sacrificed some of his own liberty (regarding indifferent things) for the sake of others but his purpose was to further the glory of God.  The whole of salvation history is for the glory of God. As c.s.Lewis pointed out,  it matters not what man thinks of God but rather what God thinks about man.

Our verses today are really the essence of Christian living.  We are to live in all respects for the glory of God with a regard for others in the second place.  The faithful are all ministers of God for the salvation of others.  Paul uses himself and his way of living as an example  to confirm the doctrine he teaches – he exhorts the Corinthians to do what he does, which is in fact his imitation of Christ; He urges nothing to others that he didn’t do himself.  Paul is saying that Christ Jesus is the only pattern of right acting.  In another words, follow the saints but only if the model for them is Christ.