...to glorify the One

It's a pretty typical catch phrase to say "all for God's glory" or something to that effect. We see singers & musicians who carry no sort of message of the gospel of Jesus Christ (quite the contrary, really) who will pray before their show. We also see many athletes who, after making their touch down or game winning point, will point to the sky or take a knee, as if to say "only by Him" or "only for Him".

This has me thinking...

What does it mean to do things all for the glory of God?

1 Corinthians 10:31 states, "whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I know this is a popular verse, we've all heard it thrown around in different contexts, but wow, this is such a radical call on our lives! I don't have to say much to flesh it out, being that the verse is fully self-explanatory. But to read it and fully digest what that would look like in my life?

The glory of God is not something to be thrown around. It is something to be treasured & upheld with great reverence & sincerity of heart. It is beautiful, yet so weighty.

I believe that it all comes down to our understanding of the preeminence, supremacy, centrality of Jesus Christ. The understanding that this life is not about me, my success, my calling, my happiness, or even His love for me. This life is about HIM (again, another catch phrase).

He loves me... for His glory.
He brings me through seasons of joy... for His glory
He brings me through the valley & the desert place... for His glory
He allows suffering... for His glory
He allows me to abound... for His glory
He brings me low... for His glory
ALL THINGS... are for His glory!!

HOW OFFENSIVE! But I'm allowing my heart to feel the searing sting of this truth. I want to get to the place where I find no offense in my heart at the reality that this truly has nothing to do with me, but that He has sovereignly chosen to involve me. I can see a glimmer of delight at the bottom of my heart when I hear such things; my spirit bears witness to it. However, I look forward to the day when the "yes & amen" of my heart is louder than the resistance of the flesh.

So, if we're not living in this reality... is everything we do in vain? I would say so. If the entire purpose of our existence is founded on the glorification of Jesus, then I would say that anything & everything we do outside of being in line with His purposes is in vain.

I want to be one who lives in light of knowing Jesus. This really wouldn't offend me if I really knew Him. For when we know Him, we will love Him and when we love him, our hearts will burn with passion to see Him glorified.

Whatever the cost. Let it be so in me.

kK