Do not get me wrong. I still want us to ask ourselves what we would do for the glory of God. But that in and of itself only focuses towards the future and waiting in expectation of the potential situations and plans that God has for us. While it is necessary for us to be willing to accept the challenges and gifts that God wants to grant us, that does not mean that we sit around and do nothing in the meantime. God has plans for you (Jeremiah 29:11).
But what about what ARE you doing?
The world is a challenging place. There are so many things that are vying for our attention: family, friends, church, work, and entertainment are just a few. Beyond those things then we find the forces that plot against us. The traps of the enemy are ever present, ever hidden, and ever easily entangling.
When we discussed what would you do, we discussed spending time with the word, being in prayer, being thankful as skills to be honed to open God's plans for us, to make us more spiritually attuned when he speaks, to set ourselves right.
The same should be true in our daily walk. What is your hugest weakness? Think about it for a few seconds, a few minutes, a few hours if you need to. Be honest with yourself. Where is it easiest for you to falter?
For many of us, it is with our mouths. The bible mentions many things about this, but I want to just focus on a few of them for the next few moments.
Proverbs 12:18 - Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. (NIV)
Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (NIV)
Proverbs 15:2 - The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of a fool gushes folly. (NIV)
Proverbs 10:19 - When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. (NIV)
James 1:19, 20 - 19 My dear brothers, take not of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
How often do we engage our mouths without allowing God to command our voice? How often do we discourage instead of encourage, doubt instead of trust, blame others versus accepting our part?
What CAN you do for the glory of God each day?
Walk upright in God. Speak of the glorious nature and love of our King.
In every endeavor that you engage in, you can be a shining beacon for Christ. You do not have to bulldoze anyone with your beliefs. But you do have to walk as you believe.
The moment that you asked Jesus to be your personal Lord and Savior, you became a lighthouse in a storm. The storm is all around and it threatens to drown all.
You light the way to the path of Christ by your actions, by your words. You may not be the person that actually walks them hand in hand to introduce them to Jesus, but you have the ability to show others what Christ is doing in you. You can do this in everything you do:
- How you talk to others
- How you talk about others
- How you work
- How you play
- How you love
This is what you CAN do each and every day for the glory of God.
The question now is are you willing to ask God to help you do this each and every day?
Are you willing to turn your back on the things of the world to head towards Jesus?
Are you willing to get out of the boat and do something different than others around you?
Are you willing to bring them with you by your love and the love of Jesus that shows through you?
Are you willing to live a life that is pleasing to God?
I encourage you to speak with God right now about how to do this. God wants to have this conversation with you. Remember the most important part of communication is to listen with an open mind and an open heart. God gave you two ears and only one mouth for a reason.
I love each and every one of you. Many, many, many blessings upon you this day.
So much to say on this, but it's also making me think about so many things - past and present - that I don't know what to say! Beyond that, I'm writing those 5 things down, I need that constant reminder! I love you and yours! Thank you!
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