I wrote this a few years ago for a newsletter I used to publish…  What a powerful reminder this was when I came across it again.  I had to share.

“Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” I Corinthians 10:31

                Often we hear people make comments referring to something being done for ‘the glory of God.’  It sounds all nice and faith filled, but what does it really mean?  Each night when we pray, one of the things we pray for is that our thoughts, actions and speech would be a blessing to others and a glory to God.  There it is.  Glory to God.  What does it entail?

When the Bible speaks of the glory of God it is referring to His worth and honor and greatness.   The dictionary defines glory as:

a: praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent

b: worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving <giving glory to God>

When someone speaks of doing something for the glory of God, it means they are doing something to show praise or honor.   As Christians we are called to do everything to the glory of God.  We are to show God honor and praise in all we think, do, and say.

The dictionary defines honor as:

a : to regard or treat (someone) with admiration and respect : to regard or treat with honor

b : to give special recognition to : to confer honor on

And praise as: to express a favorable judgment of.

We honor God when we do things the way He wants them to be done.  We show honor to our parents through obedience and respect.  God is our father in heaven and deserves obedience and respect.  He has a detailed guide as far as how we should live our lives laid out for us in the bible.  In order to know who He calls us to be, we have to study the bible faithfully.  We can show God honor by reading His word and applying it to every area of our lives, and allowing Him to change the parts of us that may not line up with His guidelines.

We need to honor God both actively  and intentionally.  When one thinks of honoring God, or showing the glory of God, obviously things like singing praise, going to church and doing “good” things come to mind.  But what about your life behind closed doors?  Are you showing Gods glory then, too?  Are you doing the best job you can with everything – from cleaning the toilet to sorting laundry, from interacting with your husband and children to laying your head on your pillow at night.  Anything less than your best is a dishonor to God and a waste of time.

Are we showing God honor by putting His priorities above ours?  Even in the mundane things we should be showing the glory of God.  Eating, drinking, resting and taking care of ourselves strengthens our bodies to do His work.  As we do these things we should do them with our thoughts focused on the Lord, all the time giving thanks because He has given these moments, this food, these opportunities to us.  Give thought to the food you eat and the fluids you drink – are they going to keep your body, your temple clean and in good order for the Holy Spirit to dwell?  Is the food you eat going to glorify God, as you show honor to the body He has given you?

Live a life of honor, praise and thankfulness.  “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  In fact, ladies I challenge you to live your live in such a way that everything is sacred and nothing is secular.  We are called to live in this world, but not be of it (thank goodness!).   So as we set about our day, let us live a life that is pleasing to God.  We’ll live our lives for the glory, and honor, and praise of God.

When you’re stuck in traffic and late for an appointment – are you showing the glory of God?  Are you honoring Him by showing patience and being kind?  Or are you becoming angry (and even worse, showing your anger?).  What about when you’ve gotten the kids in bed and are faced with the reality of a sink full of dishes, piles of laundry and your own mile-long to do list.  Getting these things done contributes to a well run home and frees your mind for the next morning.  Tackle the chores with a cheerful and obedient heart – the same way you expect your children to do their chores.  Give God the glory by choosing to keep a well run home (Read Proverbs 31 if there is any question as to whether a well run home is a biblical concept).   Are you raising your children for the glory of God?  Are you teaching them His commandments , training them and being a Godly example for them?  Do you grumble as you walk through the house because your children missed the toys under the bed and missed a pile of dust as they swept? It’s easy to live a life that glorifies God when everything is going well.  Our true colors show when things aren’t going as well as we’d hope.  Our true colors should still give glory to God.  We should still sing praises to God amidst the storm – whatever the ‘storm’ may be.

It can be overwhelming to think of how different we are expected to act as Christians.  When the rest of the world complains, gives up, breaks down, looses control and does just enough to get by, God calls us to a higher place.  Again, God calls us to glorify Him in all we do, which means all of those actions are unacceptable.  Feelings of doubt, feeling overwhelmed, grumbling, giving up are not of God.  God calls us to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12: 1-2)

Ladies, lets encourage one another to give God the glory in all we do.  We need to die to ourselves and our own glory, and live for God and His.  We won’t get anywhere unless we lay down our lives, study His Word, and allow our focus to remain on God.  We should be asking ourselves – is what I’m about to say going to be an honor to God?  Are my actions going to give God glory?  What about my thoughts?  Due to our sinful nature we will have plenty of moments where what we did may not have given glory to God.  Thank the Lord for His forgiveness, and for a new chance to try again.  Every time we show God glory, we are building His kingdom.  At the same time, every time we do not, we are not building His kingdom.

Do not complain about doing anything.  Do it cheerfully.  God knows our hearts.  Don’t miss a chance to give God the glory of a job well done, in His honor. Do not get angry when something ticks you off.  Be patient, slow to anger, and calm.  Do not get frustrated when things don’t go according to your plan.  React with love and patience.  When you feel that you cannot go another minute, ask God for the strength to go another minute and then some.  Remember, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20).  Let’s give God the glory in all things big and small.  One step at a time, one thought at a time, one word at a time.