DO EVERYTHING FOR GOD'S GLORY

I love reading the Word of God!  I hope you do, too! I learn so much and I do love learning!


Today, Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth really spoke to  me and when I read it, I just knew it was for me to tell others about it. In the tenth chapter, verse thirty-one, it says, "Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."


I doubt that means, if you eat until you are obese, do it for God, but rather, whatever you eat or drink, do it for God's Glory! How we eat  and how we drink also fit into the categories of all of the things we do, the decisions we make and what our actions are about those decisions.


Following the scripture in my Study Bible, there follows a list of choices one can make regarding sensitive issues.  You may benefit from reading them as I have:


"If I choose one course of action over another: 1) Does it help my witness for Christ?" 2)Am I motivated by a desire to help others know Christ?" 3) Does it help me do my best?" 4) Is it against a specific command in Scripture and thus causes me to sin?" 5)Is it the best and most beneficial course of action?" 6)Am I only thinking of myself, or do I truly care about the other person?" 7Am I acting lovingly or selfishly?" 8) Does it glorify God?" 9) Will it cause someone else to sin?"


I think these are good, but a lot to remember.  My husband, Jerry, was a member of the Rotary Club in Richfield, MN for many, many years.  He mentioned to me moments ago that before their meeting started each week, the members would repeat three questions aloud and in unison regarding their work and personal ethics:  "Is it the truth?  Will it build strong and healthy relationships? Will it be beneficial to all?"   This covers quite a few of our earlier choice questions from the Bible Study.


There is no way that we can simplify our lives so we don't make any mistakes.  Lands sakes! Wouldn't that just be the ticket!  No.  We humans are destined to make mistakes.  Many years ago, I wrote a bit not for publication, and one of the short things I wrote was that living in our world was like going to a finishing school for Heaven. In the old-fashioned finishing schools they taught the young ladies how to walk and talk, how to dress modestly, how to dance, sew, and all the proper ways to do things that all young ladies must know how to do.


Our parents, and myself as a parent, had a hard enough time teaching our kids how to stay alive and well, let alone things like how to dance!  Lucky kids if their parents taught them how to dance, I'd say!


So, if you  read this and feel horrified, I will understand.  Yet, I hope that one or two of you might find these short lists useful in making decisions.  Please know that I will be studying the lists each time I am aware that I am making a tough decision.


I think making decisions with this to guide me will please God!  At least, that is my intention!


Have a wonderful day, and may your appetites be guided as in all other things!


Your Friend in Christ,


Jo, once again, of MN