1 Corinthians 10:31 – So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. (NLT)

Recently, I heard a broadcast in which a man told how, when he was just 18 and a new believer, he heard today's verse. He was already working with the youth in his church, and at that moment, he was stapling handouts for the next event. The Scripture spoke to him so strongly that he determined even to staple those handouts to the glory of God — all the papers evenly lined up, staples at just the right angle to the top of the page.

I staple many sets of papers for the various groups that I work with. I am more inclined to grab the papers from the printer, give them a shake, and quickly stick them under the arm of the stapler — I just want to get it done. So, his story spoke to me about the kind of attitude that I have, not only when stapling papers, but when completing any task or interacting with others. Am I rushing through, just to get finished and be on my way? Do I care more about my schedule and my needs than about doing the task well or meeting the needs of others?

In the Westminster Shorter Catechism, the answer to the first question states that our chief end, the reason for which we were created, is to glorify God. Everything we do, even simple things like stapling papers or washing dishes, should be for the sake of the glory of God.

Joshua 1:9b – For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (NLT)

Scripture is clear that God is always with us; this verse is only one among many that assure us of His presence. But do we really believe that and practice it? What if we picture Him right there beside us as we drive down the road, interact with people, talk to our family, use social media, spend our free time, or complete a task? Would we be able to talk with Him freely during this time, or would our actions cause us to be embarrassed by His presence? Thinking about this should encourage us to modify our words, complete a task correctly, change what we watch or say on any media source, choose good activities for relaxation, or spend quality time with that needy neighbour or family member so that everything that we do glorifies God.

Matthew 5:14a,16 – You are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (NKJV)

This is a challenging idea — to imagine God present right beside us as we go through our day — but one worth considering. It will change us and change the lives of those around us. However, we can do this only if we fix our eyes on Jesus, obey Him in faith and by the power of the Holy Spirit, and ask for strength and wisdom to live each day — each moment — for Him.

Prayer: Father, we know that You are always present with us, but sometimes, we forget that and act in ways that are not pleasing to You. Give us the desire to please You in all that we do. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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