Doing It All

Doing It All

Therefore whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all things unto the glory of God.    1 Corinthians 10:31

Everything we do should bring glory to God. Which means, we can glorify God even in the mundane, physical activities we do every single day. Whether it’s washing dishes, taking the dog for a walk, or bagging groceries, if we seek to honor and glorify God with our whole lives, then we shouldn’t ever draw a distinction between these activities, and what we might call “spiritual” activities. Whatever we do, if done for the glory of God, is a spiritual pursuit, because our lives should be living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

This verse today comes at the end of Paul’s instructions to the church in Corinth regarding food that had been sacrificed to idols: should they eat it or shouldn’t they? Paul’s main point is that the Christian is free to eat anything, as long as his conscience is clear. If his conscience is troubled by eating meat that has been offered to idols, then he shouldn’t eat it. On the other hand though, if his conscience is clear, but his freedom would cause his brother to stumble, then he should abstain.

So often we separate our lives into “spiritual” and “non-spiritual.” We consider the spiritual things to be our quiet times, reading our Bibles, going to church, and so on. These are very important, and should never be neglected. However, we then put down all other activity as “worldly”–our jobs, our hobbies, and so forth. Because those things are usually things that engage the world, we struggle to see their spiritual benefit in them. We mustn’t forget, though, that this world was created by God and He called it “good.”

Yes, there is sin and corruption in the world, and the ways of the world are not ways we should pursue–it is a fallen world. But that doesn’t mean we need to despise our jobs, or music, or anything else of the world simply because it’s not “spiritual.” Rather we need to take those things and use them for God’s glory. Eat that meal to the glory of God, and thank Him for His provision! Work your job for the glory of God, and bless His name for giving you employment! That, I think, is what Paul means by doing all things to the glory of God.

Our witness in the world would be much stronger and more effective if we stopped shouting about the things we are against and started speaking more convincingly about the things we are for.  That shouldn’t be hard for us if we believe that God is overwhelmingly for us and for this world.

So, whatever we do, whether we are eating, drinking, scrubbing toilets or participating in a Zoom call, make sure you ask:  How am I honoring God?  Lord… may everything I do be for Your glory.

Have a blessed day!

~Bev