What if I did and said only those things that brought glory to God

By e March 19, 2006 Jesus Stuff No Comments

As I sat at my desk Thursday afternoon, the thought flashed through my mind, “What if I did and said only those things that brought glory to God?” Not far behind that thought was the disturbing realization that I held reservations about striving towards that goal. At some level, I’m quite double-minded. I want a living, vibrant relationship with God, but I cling to selfish habits and thought patterns. I want His will, especially if it corresponds with my own. I want to bring Him glory, especially if it brings me recognition in the process.

The concepts of bringing God glory and of being wholly dedicated to Him has been the current running through all of my reading and meditation the past while, and seems to have been coming closer and closer to the surface in preparation for this question. This week, it was just blatantly obvious. I read Philippians, where Paul speaks of being poured out in service (Phil 2:17) in order that God may be glorified as (our own and others’) knees bow and tongues confess that Jesus is Lord (Phil 2:11). I contemplated Kirkegaard’s assertion that the purity of heart that allows us to see God is to will one thing, to have undivided loyalties. I read Richard Foster’s Celebration of Discipline, and was struck by the man who decided to think about God every minute for an entire year. I was reminded of Jesus’ words that we cannot serve two masters and that He always did those things that pleased His father (John 8:29).

Friday morning, James told me (James 4:3) I ask and do not receive because I ask with wrong motives. I’ve been asking for a deeper relationship, clearer vison of Him, and asking Him to fulfill His promise that when I turn the wrong way I’ll hear a voice behind me saying “This is the way.” When I consider my motives, however, I find that, too often, I am more interested in a fortune-teller to ensure I make no poor decisions, blessing upon my own desires, or a shortcut out of an uncomfortable situation than in real growth.

So, the challenge has been presented, the voice has called from behind me to show the way. Am I willing to be separated to Him, to take every thought captive? It is my choice, but it isn’t much of a choice, really. On the one hand, to know the right thing to do and not to do it is sin (James 4:17). On the other, Psalm 45:7, tells us that that to love righteousness and hate wickedness leads to being anointed with the oil of joy.

I’m going to say yes. I’m not sure what that means in practical terms but I know it will be an interesting journey.

What do you think?