As Christians, we turn to the bible as God's Word to help us understand this life He has given us and to get guidance on how to live it. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Tim 3:16-17)So we turn to the bible for answers, but what do we do when those answers seem vague or when the bible doesn't give a straight answer? There are a handful of questions we should ask ourselves to help bring some definite color to those "gray areas", and we will look at each of them in the following weeks. First, however, I want to look at one in particular that underlies all the others:
"Will my choice or behavior glorify God?"
As was mentioned last week, when we find ourselves in the gray areas we should focus more on attitude than legalistic rules. If we get our attitude right, the right actions will follow. So where is your attitude? Do you want to glorify God?
1 Corinthians 10:31 "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
Put simply this is about reputation. We should always seek the option that will best represent who God is, and God is worthy of a good reputation.
In Psalm 86:11-13 we see that because of God's lovingkindess David wants to know God's ways so he can bring glory (good rep) to God.
2 Cor 5:18-21 states that since we've been re-united with God through Christ, we are God's ambassadors. Simply because we are identified with Christ the things people see in us will shape their view of Him.
This should come as no surprise. Think about it. It's like "guilt by association." Our ideas of people are influenced by what we know of their friends and family. Fair or not, we do make certain judgments based on the type of people others hang out with. The same is true of God. People will see what we do and how we act, and they will use OUR actions to form a judgment about God.
Would you purposely hurt the reputations of your friends and family? No. Of course not. In that same way we should always consider how our behavior will reflect on God who saved us. If a certain behavior would give God a bad rep ... it is a good indicator that we should avoid that behavior.
Awesome post, Marc! Though, I suppose the underlying question that needs to be answered amidst all of this is simply: Why would you want to give God a good reputation? Why even bother? What is it for a Christian that motivates them to absolutely want to glorify and bring honor (and a good rep) to God?
ReplyDeleteTo find out the "Why?" part of this, we have to dig a little deeper and investigate the very essence of who God is to each of us. For example, if I were to ask you to describe who God is in your life in one or two words, what would you say? Would you say that to you God is the Lord? How about 'Master'? Or 'King of Kings'? Or maybe 'Heavenly Father'. All of these are absolutely true. But, what is it that makes Him the Lord or Master in your life? Is it because he's all powerful and all knowing? Or is it because of something He did...?
Here's what I'm getting at: Sure, God can be 'Lord' to you. He can be 'Master' to you. He can even, and most certainly, be your 'Heavenly Father'. Yet, there is only one description that God should ALWAYS be to every single believer in Christ, and that is Saviour.
You see, that's the "Why?" part of this whole thing. We're NOT supposed to try to give God a good reputation because we're told to, or even because the Bible says so. As Christians, we’re supposed to give God a good reputation because we love Him. We are to be driven, compelled - and above all - determined to bring glory and honor to Him because of our love for Him. We love Him because He saved us and gave us not what we deserve, but gave us grace.
2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (MSG Bible)
"Companions as we are in this work with you, we beg you, please don't squander one bit of this marvelous life God has given us. God reminds us,
“I heard your call in the nick of time;
The day you needed me, I was there to help.”
Well, now is the right time to listen, the day to be helped. Don't put it off; don't frustrate God's work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing. Our work as God's servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all."
Adam, how embarrassing. Thanks for the comment!. This series is based on what we're studying on Wednesday nights with the youth. I went back and re-read my post and realized that I left out a major part that I actually DID include in my message Wednesday. That like David in Psalm 86, we are to seek to glorify God because of His "lovingkindness" .. for us, specifically, that He gave Jesus on the cross to pay our price so that we unworthy creatures could be saved.
ReplyDeleteWow, I re-read over it like 3 or 4 times before posting and still missed it. Thanks for the catch.
Grace and peace!
No worries, Marc. Just saw this from your Facebook. I really like the blog you got going on. Reminds me of the days when the Gospel According to Adam and Marc was in full swing. :) You're doing an amazing job as a Youth Minister. Fits you like a glove, brother!
ReplyDeleteYa'll take care!