Do All to the Glory

‘So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ‘ – 1 Corinthians 10:31

When we think of those who bring the most glory to God, who do we think of?

What actions do you think of when someone says, “God is glorified in this”?

How often do you think of God’s glory?

Do you think your daily actions in general glorify God?

These are some important thoughts to think about for the Christian. But if we are honest with ourselves, would our answer be in line with Paul’s message to the Corinthians? The thought that all of our actions, whether big or small, can and should be done to bring glory to God. Many of us, when answering the questions above, probably had missionaries and pastors come to mind, thinking ultimately that it is their job, responsibility, and calling, not necessarily something that is required of ourselves. Or maybe we come with the mindset that sometimes that is required of us, but not all the time. However, Paul’s message here was to all Christians, calling them to have their minds set 24/7 on the glory of God and how we can best serve and praise Him in all things. This is the mindset of seeking first the kingdom of God, which Christ and Paul have tasked us Christians with in our daily lives. This is not something that is optional; it is required of us. We will not be able to perfectly do this because of our fallen nature; however, this doesn’t excuse us from seeking to obey the Lord.

‘But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ‘ – Matthew 6:33

‘If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.’ – Colossians 3:1-2

Need and dependence are important areas in which God receives great glory. Just think about the big things that we were dependent upon and how God answered them in His perfect timing and wisdom. First, our need for a Savior was met in Christ Jesus, thanks be to God, who, in His immeasurable love and grace, provided us with a way to restore our relationship with Him. A debt was paid on our behalf upon that glorious hill called Calvary, where the ultimate sacrifice was made, showcasing the depths of God’s love. Through this act, eternal life has been freely given by our heavenly Father, a gift that carries profound significance for our lives and our future. And even in the smaller things, such as the everyday need for rest and nourishment, God skillfully meets our needs, reminding us that His care extends beyond the monumental moments to encompass the smallest details of our lives. This consistent provision invites us to trust and worship Him more deeply as we reflect on our dependence.

Another aspect of giving glory to God in all things is thanksgiving. Realizing that God has given us everything that is good, this should lead us to a spirit of thanksgiving and praise towards God. Understanding that we deserve nothing besides punishment for our sins, and yet we have been given everything, allows us to reflect on the boundless grace that surrounds us daily. What more could we ask for than our debt being paid and being restored to a right relationship with God? This profound realization should inspire us to cultivate a heart that continually expresses gratitude, recognizing the countless blessings we often take for granted, such as the love of family, the beauty of creation, and the small joys that are sprinkled in our day-to-day lives. In everything, we have reason to be thankful, even through the trials and hardships that seem overwhelming at times. Each challenge will strengthen our faith and teach us resilience, guiding us back to a place of gratitude. Every season of life should be a season of thanksgiving, for in every season, we have been blessed by the Lord in more than one way. Whether in moments of triumph or despair, God’s presence remains constant, a source of hope and renewal that we can always depend on, reminding us that in every circumstance, there is something to praise Him for.

‘Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord , and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. ‘ – Psalm 96:3-4

Now that we know that everything should be done to the glory of the Lord, that rules out doing anything that does not bring glory to God. This principle can manifest in two distinct aspects. First, it involves doing something good for the wrong reasons or in the wrong way. God is a God of order and design, and He has established clear guidelines regarding how to worship, praise, and give thanks, all to His glory. When we deviate from the divinely prescribed order that He has deemed worthy, we risk straying and erring in our service to Him. It is essential to recognize that our approach to worship should align with His intentions, which are always rooted in love and reverence. Other times, we may not outright reject God’s call to glorify Him, but we could have an underlying motive that skews our intentions. For instance, we might seek the praise and honor of those who witness us glorifying God, or perhaps we engage in acts of worship to fulfill a personal need or to evoke a certain emotional response within ourselves. The reason and motive behind our actions stem from our hearts, which is why it is crucial that we approach God with the correct heart posture. Anything outside of coming to Him in faith and humility will ultimately be rejected, as He desires authenticity and sincerity in our relationship with Him. Furthermore, we must consider that doing anything contrary to God’s will—meaning anything sinful and rebellious—also detracts from our ability to glorify Him. Obviously, we cannot praise God through actions that break His law, nor can we actively glorify Him while being a slave to the flesh in our depraved nature. This idea that we cannot glorify God while not being a believer arises from the understanding that we would be remaining in unrepentant sin, which is displeasing to Him. When contemplating our relationship with God and seeking the kingdom above all else, we should constantly reflect on the following questions:

What are the true motives behind our actions?

Am I currently going about [blank] in a way that is acceptable to God’s will?

Are we genuinely seeking to honor God, or are we seeking our own glory?

Is the way I’m going about doing [blank] glorifying to God or is it more self centered?

Are we surrendering our hearts fully to His will, or are we clinging to our own desires?

Can [blank] be done to the glory of God? If it can not, then we probably have no business doing it.

These are just a few thoughts when evaluating whether or not we are approaching everything according to God’s will for the purpose of His glory. By pondering these questions, we can better align our lives to reflect His glory and truth. It is also a good reminder that in all things a Christian does, it should first and foremost be pleasing and glorifying to God. Hopefully this points to the reason why we give thanks at the dinner table and why even the small actions in our day to day lives matter.