"Therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
-1 Corinthians 10:31
Although you've likely heard it thousands of times, and probably memorized it as a child, when was the last time you stopped to think about this verse? The outward simplicity of the phrase belies the profound truth so wisely condensed.
On the surface, it would be easy to trim off all but the last part of this verse, and call it complete... "do all for the glory of God." Is every action you do for the glory of God?
But so much more emphasis is included with the first part of the verse. Paul wrote that "...whether you eat or drink..." Now there is a strange phrase! He did not say "whether you pray or sing," or "whether you are preaching or giving thanks." No, he uses something so mundane that it is as essential to life as breathing! I believe that the point he is making is this; even in the mundane tasks of life, brushing your teeth, eating a bowl of cereal, or driving to the store, make your motive bringing glory to God!
There is another way to put it, by rephrasing negatively. "Do not do anything, not even the most commonplace task (let alone the more purposeful ones), if you are not doing it for God's glory." If you realize that something you are doing cannot be done with thanks to God, and as a witness to His greatness, then it is most likely nothing less than a sin.
So as you go about your tasks today; checking e-mail, changing a diaper, walking the dog, or talking with a co-worker, do it all with the purpose of giving God glory.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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1 comment:
I like your take on this verse. :) The girls and I have actually been looking at this one in our Bible class and actually asking the question "How can I ___ to the glory of God?" For example: Go Shopping. Well, I can be patient with my girls and have a cheerful attitude and not be in too much of a hurry to interact. They can honor mommy's request to not ask for things, speak kindly to eachother, and try to be helpers... Those are just some ideas, but I've definitely been thinking about that verse in more practical ways. Sometimes it helps just to ask the question, "How can I ...?"
Thanks!
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