HOW CAN I LIVE IN THIS WORLD
FOR THE GLORY OF GOD?
This is a question of great concern for every
believer. Having seen the glory of God in Christ, by the revelation of the Holy
Spirit, we want to glorify God our Savior above all things.
Most people presume that by a mere change of
lifestyle, outward behavior, and outward appearance, they can glorify God.
Therefore we see individuals and entire religious sects who dress in a peculiar
manner, abstain from certain foods and beverages, and isolate themselves, as
much as possible, from the world. Some live in monasteries, convents, and
communes, and even forbid marriage, in an attempt to avoid evil and live in
godliness. SUCH ASCETIC NOTIONS ARE TOTALLY CONTRARY TO THE WORD OF GOD
(I Tim. 4:1-5; Matt. 15:10-20). THEY
PROMOTE SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS, BUT NOT GODLINESS.
Yet, we who believe must glorify God in our bodies
and in our spirits which are God's (I Cor.6:20). IF I WOULD GLORIFY GOD IN
THIS WORLD, MY ENTIRE BEING MUST BE CONSECRATED TO HIM. MY BODY, WHICH IS THE TEMPLE
OF GOD, MUST BE USED
FOR THE SERVICE OF GOD'S GLORY. Whatever we do with these bodies must be
done as unto the Lord, for the glory of God (Col. 3:17). We must employ our
bodies in the worship and service of our Master, and in ministering to our Father's
children. And we must endeavor to keep our bodies under the rule of Christ, not
giving in to the passions of our sinful flesh (Col. 3:1-14). This is certain: I
WILL GLORIFY GOD IN MY BODY IF IN MY SPIRIT, IN MY INNER SELF, IN MY HEART I
GLORIFY HIM. "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of
the flesh" (Gal. 5:16). Walk
before God in this world with a spirit of FAITH (John 6:29), ADORATION (Ps. 135:1-6), LOVE
(I Cor. 13:1-13), OBEDIENCE (I Sam. 15:
22-23), SUBMISSION (I Pet. 5:6-7), and DEVOTION (Luke
14:26-27), and you will live for the
glory of God. This is the thing God requires of us. He says, "My son, give
me thine heart" (Prov. 23:26).
If he has our hearts, he will have our bodies also; and we will glorify God in
our bodies and in our spirits, which are God's.