- We may have a lot of plans for our lives, we may also be extra smart and talented to get those plans fulfilled. But without God’s will, we have no certainty of tomorrow. Even in the heights of life let us be humble to say ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this and that’ (James 4:15). It is important to use this phrase or similar phrase with everyone and not just believers. It is one way of glorifying and introducing our living God to everyone. In whatever we speak or do, let us do in the name of our Lord Jesus (Col 3:17). I am sure many of us would have come across believers who confess God’s grace in every area of their life. I personally came across a lot of friends who when asked “How are you?” would immediately say “By God’s grace I’m fine”, “How are your kids studying?” “By God’s grace, they are doing good in studies”. Isn’t it a great way to acknowledge God in every area of your life; because unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain (psalm 127:1).
- Let us give thanks for every meal. Jesus gave thanks when he fed the crowd (John 6:11), He acknowledged ‘God The Father’ for the providence. God provided thousands from a little. God caused the jar of flour and jug of oil not to run dry till there was rain upon the land, to provide Elijah, the widow and her son (1 kings 17:14). He is the same God even today and He still provides us amidst scarcity. So let us be grateful and thank God wholeheartedly for even a drink of water.
- When we are happy let us sing songs of praise (James 5:13). Most of the wonderful praise and worship songs we sing were written by King David who celebrated God with all his heart and praised God for every happiness in his life. Moses and all the Israelites sang songs of praise when they crossed the Red Sea and so did Hannah rejoice and praise God when she was blessed with Samuel. Praising God before men could teach and admonish ourselves and others (Col 3:16).
- Let us get rid of anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from our lips (Col 3:8). It is not rightful to use filthy language and praise God with the same lips (James 3:10). But rather Jesus preached love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you, forgive seventy times seven, do not judge, etc.; all of these Jesus put together in one commandment ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’. By having control over our tongue we can glorify God.
- All those who boast about the Gospel reaching many through them, boast in the Lord (2 Corinth 10:17). In Ephesians 1:11-14 we see Paul a man who established the early churches humbly stating how God has predestined us and is working His will in our lives that He may be glorified. So let us be humble before God that He may continue to use us. Even the greatest person born of women ‘John the Baptist’ humbled himself and said ‘God must become greater and I must become less (John 3:30)’. Let the light of the world shine through our lives that others may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven (Matt 5:16). When we speak the Word of God or serve others lets do it with God that He alone may be praised and glorified (1 peter 4:11).
- Submit to the authority because only God can establish the ones in authority (Romans 13:1). Many a time we find believers involved in political disagreement which leads to God’s people being tagged as anti-government bodies. This does not glorify God among men. When Jesus was asked whether it’s right to pay tax to Caesar or not, Jesus says “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s”. He was never against authorities. Authorities can be anyone you are subjected to, even those to whom you are answerable to in your workplace. David did not kill King Saul, because King Saul was chosen by God to be the king. Rather we are called to pray for them.
- Work wholeheartedly as if serving God and not men (Eph 6:7). Treat those working under you with respect. Do not threaten them because God in Heaven is God to all and shows no favouritism (Eph 6:9).
What’s your bag of gold? Matthew 25:14-30
In the ‘Parable of the Bags of Gold’ from Matthew 25:14-30, we see how each servant was given different number of bags of gold. When the master returned from his
