AN UNWASTED LIFE | Northstar Church

“If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it? So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles,or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved. ” – 1 Corinthians 10:30-33.

When asked what the goal of the Christian life is, a typical response would be “to become Christ-like.” In other words, to live righteously means to conduct one’s life in a manner that reflects our relationship with the Lord and mirrors His ways. We can never share in Jesus’ deity, but we can share in His holiness and live a life that glorifies Him. That is the way to live an unwasted life.

So, how do we glorify God in our daily lives? Glorifying God is not a one-time event but a lifetime task that must be done consistently and daily. We can glorify God in our lives by being watchful of what we do with our lives daily. In Colossians 3:17, the apostle Paul says in his letter to the Church as Colossae, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (ESV). He reminded the Colossians that their ultimate purpose on this earth was to give God glory by showing God’s love, walking in peace with one another, and doing all things with a heart full of gratitude.

In Philippians 1:20, we see that Paul’s attention was focused on one thing and one thing only. While in prison, unsure of his sentence, he maintained that laser focus. He expected that Christ would be exalted in everything he did. His one focus was glorifying Christ in everything. And he meant everything. He taught this in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Whatever we do, in all things, our aim and highest goal should be God’s glory. His was a heart that wanted to glorify God above all else and love others fiercely for the sake of their eternal joy. It’s humbling to think that this kind of radical living will shape every one of our countless small words and actions. This is the Christian’s calling. In our every decision, activity, and pursuit, we do well to ask a simple, ever-present, overarching question, the question that should direct all we do: Does this glorify God?

Discussion Questions:

Do your life, actions, and words echo the glory of God?
Think about your words and actions today and ask yourself, “How can I glorify God in this task, this moment, this conversation?”