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by Kevin Pauley
Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. - 1 Corinthians 10:31
We use reminders to help us constantly: calendars, alarm clocks, watches or PDAs. Why do those who are married wear wedding rings? It is not merely to identify our state to others, but also to remind ourselves of our vows!
Not all of us need to nail mezuzot to our doorposts. But all of us need to be looking for ways to include our Beloved into our daily lives. It is far more important to incorporate Christ into our day-to-day activities than it is to set aside time dedicated to Him. If we are faithful at including Him in our lives, we will not struggle at finding “special” time with Him.
Paul taught that everything we do should be done in the Master’s name and in thanks[1]. He further instructed that it should be done heartily and be consciously devoted to the Lord[2].
The principle of turning every activity in our lives into a sacred sacrifice of praise to the glory of God is not restricted to the New Testament. The Teacher also encouraged the righteous to do everything with all their might with their death in view[3].
Paul specifically ordered Christians to find ways to turn our daily jobs into sacrifices and told us how to do it[4]. When we go to work, we should show up on time because that’s what we’d do if it were Jesus waiting in the office. When we do our jobs, we do our best as though Jesus was going to be inspecting our work at the end of the day. When we take breaks, we make sure that we only take what is agreed on and give one hundred percent of our effort all the rest of the time. We make sure that we serve others on the work force and put their needs ahead of our own[5]. By this, we indicate our love for Christ and our understanding that everything we do can become a sacrifice of praise to Him.
Peter, too, understood the need to incorporate Christ in everything we do. He encouraged Christians to take their spiritual gifts to heart and to recognize that the gifts come from God and should rightly be returned to God[6].
The great composer Bach said, “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hub-bub.”
He always headed his compositions “J.J.” The letters stood for “Jesus Juva” which means “Jesus Help Me.” He ended them “S.D.G.” the letters stood for “Soli Dei Gratia” which means “to God alone be the praise.”
Like Bach, find little ways to incorporate your Master into everything you do.
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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