Everyday Christian Living: Return

I Corinthians 10:31

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God."

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31).

I remember the very first time I ever heard this verse of Scripture. I was a young high school student, seeking to follow God and honor Him in my life but struggling with the best way to do that. A friend by the name of Randy shared it with me (nearly 45 years ago!) and it has impacted my life and decisions over the years.

I was overwhelmed with the thought and idea that my life was to bring glory to God and to be honest with you, I had no idea what that meant. But I was determined in my life to honor Jesus Christ, to glorify Jesus Christ, and lift His name in all things. Here I am all these years later and I am still learning the meaning of this verse day to day.

Over the last few weeks, we have identified some words that help us understand how to live every day for Jesus Christ. Here is another word for today. In all that occurs in our day-to-day, moment-by-moment lives, we are to RETURN praise, honor, and glory to God. 

Who?

From time to time, you will see a college athlete or a professional athlete interviewed after his or her athletic event and they will say something like, “First of all I want to praise God” or “I thank God for the ability to play” or “I needed God’s strength with me.” I am sure most of you reading this think of someone like Tim Tebow giving praise and honor to Jesus. I am incredibly grateful for the courage these athletes have shown and for the stand they take to glorify Jesus.

Or you might from time to time hear a speech by a politician, an actor, or another high-profile person say something similar. These statements bless my heart and I’m encouraged when I see others stand for Jesus. 

But let’s be sure we understand something, returning glory to God is not just for the athlete, the speaker, the high-profile individual. And giving glory to God is not just for the exceptional feats that are accomplished in life. 

How?

Giving glory to God is a daily, moment by moment passion that everything we do would honor Jesus. As I write this blog today, I am thinking about the things that Gina and I have done this morning. We were up early, made breakfast, cleaned up the kitchen, did a few chores around the house, reviewed the calendar for a few errands we need to do today, as well as a few other things. To be honest with you, most of the day so far has been rather mundane and rather routine. 

In all things - the spectacular, the routine, and the mundane - we are to give glory to God. Whatever we do, even the task of eating and drinking, are to be done to the honor and glory of Jesus. 

This verse in I Corinthians 10:31 is so important that it is repeated in different forms in other places in the Bible. 

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17).

The idea is the same, whatever we do through our mouths or through our actions should be done to glorify Jesus. Paul says the same thing a few verses later:

“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve” (Colossians 3:23 - 24).

Why?

But there is a commentary at the end of that last verse that gives us clarity, “it is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

We are not our own, we are servants in the Kingdom of God. THIS is how we understand the idea of glorifying God in all things.

There is nothing insignificant in my life. It may feel like daily tasks and chores are insignificant but that is not the case. Everything we DO and everything we SAY is an opportunity to pass the glory on to Jesus.

So today, I encourage you to take a few moments, raise your hands toward heaven, and simply say, “Lord, all glory, praise and honor to You”!!!  

Return all the glory to God in whatever comes your way!!