ALL things for the glory of God...
Note: This post is long, but is REALLY important to me...it contains lessons that I am learning each day, and I hope you won't let the size deter you from reading!
There is a sign on my closet door that says "ALL things for HIS glory." In smaller letters, I have begun to write things that I can do for His glory--in order that I might more practically apply this lesson to my life. Right now, it says: Thinking, singing, laundry, working, talking, entertainment, dishes and studying. Obviously, there are many more things that should be on this list...and they will be as they become apparent that I am not doing them for God's glory.
Ironically, doing all things for God's glory is what chapel was about this morning.
Francis Chan is our chapel speaker for the week (we always have him come for multiple chapels because he is so good...he has done 3 chapels a semester since I've been here at APU), and today was incredible...here's what he said, in summary:
He asked if any of us had ever seen the sunrise (hey, we're in college, so we generally don't get up that early!)...he asked us to ponder the fact that the sun is 93 million miles away, yet as soon as its rays peek over the horizon, we begin to feel warmth. Isn't that amazing? 93 MILLION miles away, and it provides us with light, warmth...and when it rises and sets, it gives glory to God.
Francis began by showing us a clip from "Rocky" (I don't know which one), where he is running up the stairs with all the kids following him. He asked us if we had noticed "the girl in the green jacket" (One of the extras in the movie). "What if the girl in the green jacket went around telling all her family and friends that she had 'starred' in the movie? Then they'd go see it, and realize that it really wasn't all about her. It was about Rocky. Her friends would think she was delusional."
But, aren't we all a little delusional?
Life isn't about us...we are just extras in God's movie. He is NOT the supporting actor--He is the star! But we forget that all too often--at least, I know that I do...and not so much in the "big" things in life, but in the little things...like dishes...like the words I say to a friend.
When Leslie and I were having lunch today, I made a comment about someone and quickly apologized because I realized it did NOT bring glory to God. And she said something that I have pondered all day. She said, "Can you imagine how quiet our campus would be if everyone made sure that their comments brought glory to God?"
Wow...
I know that even in my life, that statement would be true...and this is definitely something to work on. Are my words edifying, or dividing? Are they honoring God? Not as much as they should...
Everything in creation gives glory to God...and everything we do CAN give glory to God! He demonstrated (rather humorously) how even eating can bring glory to God (1 Cor. 10:31)...
One more thing, before this post becomes another novel! He read from Job 38, which is an incredible chapter. Francis asked why we humans think we can question/criticize God, when He knows everything, He created everything, etc...Job did, and this was God's response:
He continues on in chapter 39, and in verse 2 of chapter 40 God asks "Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!"
Who am I to question God when life is not going as I think it should be going?
"I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow...a vapor in the wind." (Casting Crowns)
Much to ponder from today's message, primarily on the words part...and I pray that God will use this for His glory...
There is a sign on my closet door that says "ALL things for HIS glory." In smaller letters, I have begun to write things that I can do for His glory--in order that I might more practically apply this lesson to my life. Right now, it says: Thinking, singing, laundry, working, talking, entertainment, dishes and studying. Obviously, there are many more things that should be on this list...and they will be as they become apparent that I am not doing them for God's glory.
Ironically, doing all things for God's glory is what chapel was about this morning.
Francis Chan is our chapel speaker for the week (we always have him come for multiple chapels because he is so good...he has done 3 chapels a semester since I've been here at APU), and today was incredible...here's what he said, in summary:
He asked if any of us had ever seen the sunrise (hey, we're in college, so we generally don't get up that early!)...he asked us to ponder the fact that the sun is 93 million miles away, yet as soon as its rays peek over the horizon, we begin to feel warmth. Isn't that amazing? 93 MILLION miles away, and it provides us with light, warmth...and when it rises and sets, it gives glory to God.
Francis began by showing us a clip from "Rocky" (I don't know which one), where he is running up the stairs with all the kids following him. He asked us if we had noticed "the girl in the green jacket" (One of the extras in the movie). "What if the girl in the green jacket went around telling all her family and friends that she had 'starred' in the movie? Then they'd go see it, and realize that it really wasn't all about her. It was about Rocky. Her friends would think she was delusional."
But, aren't we all a little delusional?
Life isn't about us...we are just extras in God's movie. He is NOT the supporting actor--He is the star! But we forget that all too often--at least, I know that I do...and not so much in the "big" things in life, but in the little things...like dishes...like the words I say to a friend.
When Leslie and I were having lunch today, I made a comment about someone and quickly apologized because I realized it did NOT bring glory to God. And she said something that I have pondered all day. She said, "Can you imagine how quiet our campus would be if everyone made sure that their comments brought glory to God?"
Wow...
I know that even in my life, that statement would be true...and this is definitely something to work on. Are my words edifying, or dividing? Are they honoring God? Not as much as they should...
Everything in creation gives glory to God...and everything we do CAN give glory to God! He demonstrated (rather humorously) how even eating can bring glory to God (1 Cor. 10:31)...
One more thing, before this post becomes another novel! He read from Job 38, which is an incredible chapter. Francis asked why we humans think we can question/criticize God, when He knows everything, He created everything, etc...Job did, and this was God's response:
"Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Who stretched a measuring line across it?
On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone--
while the morning stars sang together
and all the angels shouted for joy?...
Have you ever given orders to the morning,
or shown the dawn its place...
Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth?
...Surely you know, for you were already born!
You have lived so many years!"(Job 38:4-7, 12, 18, 21)
He continues on in chapter 39, and in verse 2 of chapter 40 God asks "Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!"
Who am I to question God when life is not going as I think it should be going?
"I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow...a vapor in the wind." (Casting Crowns)
Much to ponder from today's message, primarily on the words part...and I pray that God will use this for His glory...
posted by Lesa at 9/20/2004 02:00:00 PM
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