Tag: do all to God’s glory
Devoted to prayer!
Scripture reading for October 8th: Colossians 3:18-4:18
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17) This Scripture is a summary of how Christ living in us should transform our lives. This kind of living can only come from a life of prayer and intimate contact with God Himself. We must be filled with the Holy Spirit and love of God daily and this will be reflected practically in how we live at home and at work.
Paul’s instruction to this company of “holy and faithful brothers” included practical advice on getting along in the home and workplace. Wives were told to submit to God’s order in the home because of God’s design. Husbands were reminded to love their wives and not be harsh with them. Children were told to please the Lord by obedience to parents. Fathers were again reminded to be gentle towards their children. Employees were encouraged to work for their employers as unto the Lord and expect a reward from God for doing that. Masters should treat employees fairly. God will show no favorites. (Colossians 3:18-25)
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.” (Colossians 4:2-4) As we pray, we put our focus on the unseen world of God’s throne and He makes us aware of dangers as well as opportunities. We sense God’s heart and begin to want what He wants.
As Paul told these believers to devote themselves to prayer, he asked for prayer himself. He was in chains in a Roman prison, but he did not ask for a deliverance. Instead he asked for open doors for ministry of the Gospel of Christ. He knew that without prayer, ministry would not happen. He asked for boldness and clarity of speech to know how to present the message to each open heart. His focus was not on himself, but on Christ’s call and purpose that he longed to complete.
May the Lord help each of us to be devoted to prayer. If we live a life of prayer, we will find more opportunities to fulfill our calling!
Seek the good of others!
Scripture reading for August 16th: 1st Corinthians 10:15-11:2
The issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols was very controversial in the church at Corinth. There were many idol temples and people who were in the church had come from backgrounds where they participated in the worship of these idols and the demons behind them. Some were very sensitive in their consciences because of what God had delivered them from. They believed that they were participating in the worship of demons if they ate the meat. Others had learned through study of God’s word that these idols were really nothing at all and that the sacrifice did not mean anything. As believers, they were free to eat the meat and simply give thanks to God for providing it.
This conflict was causing division and some in the church to stumble. Paul wrote clearly to help them with this problem as he had done to the Romans. (Romans 13-14) Paul warned everyone to flee from idolatry. God is jealous and wants all our worship! (1st Corinthians 10:14, 22) When we partake of holy communion, we partake of the ‘cup of thanksgiving’ and participate in the blood of Jesus Christ. When we eat the bread we partake of the body of Christ. As believers, we become one with Christ and with all true believers through the sacrifice of Christ given for us. (1st Corinthians 10:15-17)
“”Everything is permissible”–but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible”–but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (1st Corinthians 10:23-24) When we are part of the body of Christ, we must be mindful of those who may be sensitive in this area of eating meat sacrificed to idols. We may have liberty to eat, but it may be harmful to our brothers and sisters who came out of this kind of idolatry. We should limit our liberty to help them grow in faith.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God–even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example as I follow Christ.” (1st Corinthians 10:31-11:1) Winning people to Jesus Christ for God’s glory is our single focus!