TO GOD'S GLORY

1 Corinthians 10:31

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

This verse reminds us that everything we do should be done to the glory of God. Whether we find ourselves alone or in the company of others, whether we are thrust into the business of everyday life or quietly confined to the isolation of a sick-bed, our attitudes and actions should be such that they are a positive reflection of God's glory. But there is a further reason that whatever we do should be done to the glory of God, and this verse reminds us that it relates to a loving concern for others.

Brothers and sisters in Christ who are weaker in the faith, may find that their consciences prohibit them from practicing something which although quite lawful, could cause them to stumble in their Christian life. It's important what people think. Likewise, it's important that we don't give people the wrong impression of Jesus because of the way we live.

More important for us, is living in a way that shows we care what God thinks because, as Christians, knowing God should be our fixation. That is what Paul was saying. There will always be people who have criticisms and opinions, but we need to be able to filter them out and hear God's voice in it all. Only then can we turn to helping other people understand. But how do we do that? Paul gives us some insight into that by saying, “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

If glorifying God is our guiding principle, we will be in good shape. It's a principle that can and should be applied to everything in our lives. We live to please God, not people.

We serve people, but only because it pleases God for us to do so. Of course we should always be sensitive and considerate so we don't do things to trip up other people. God is graceful and so should we be. Whether immersed in the drudgery of daily chores or quietly watching the television set, we should do all to the glory of God.

Whatever we do during the day or whatever activities we engage in during the night-time hours, should be carried out for His praise and glory. If we find ourselves in difficulties or when we are engaged in some leisure time, it should always be glorifying to the Lord. Whenever we are faced with a choice in life, there are two important considerations that should help guide our behavior. First, does our conduct or choice glorify the Lord? Second, could our actions or attitudes negatively impact our Christian testimony or have a detrimental effect on our fellow man?

May we take to heart this simple instruction from Paul that whether we eat, or drink, or whatever we do, we do all to the glory of God!!!

Father, thank You for this day and Your amazing mercy and grace. Lord, let Your abundant blessings flow over my friends and family today. Lord, how we long to be a living testimony to Your goodness and grace with a desire to live our lives to glorify You. Lord, take our lives and may Your will be done in all we say and do today. Lord, use us as a vessel to Your praise and glory in such a way that You increase, and we decrease, until it is You living in and through us, to Your praise and glory. Lord, use my friends to be a blessing that someone needs today.

Father, we love You. Amen.