“Too often we want to compartmentalize our lives.”

A thought by Craig Groeschel (2015-10-27) from his book, #Struggles: Following Jesus in a Selfie-Centered World (p. 207). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click on the title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

This is such a good thought to focus on as we end 2015 and start 2016.

Craig says, “We’re tempted to think we’re okay because we do the church thing on Sundays. Then during the week, we do the work thing, and on the weekends, we do our own thing. But in reality, because our lives belong to God, everything we do should be God things. Everything.”

Here is what Paul said in the New Testament and he said it clearly, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col. 3: 17).

Craig continues, “He should be first in all we do. If we’re watching television, going to the grocery store, studying for an exam, asking someone out on a date, updating our Facebook status, or tweeting about our latest business deal, whatever we do, we should do it for God. Notice the way Paul qualifies his instructions: ‘whether in word or deed.’ Whether we’re speaking or acting, shouting or singing, do it all for the glory of God. We could translate this into our social-media culture by saying, ‘Whatever you do, whether tweeting, commenting, posting, or uploading, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.'”

And then he says, “Before saying anything online (or in person), ask yourself whether you are truly representing and reflecting the love and goodness of God. If not, don’t say it. Ever. And don’t just think about the words you say; think about the pictures or videos you post. If in any way they don’t reflect God’s standards, don’t share them. I love the way the Living Bible translates Proverbs 3: 6. This should be our standard online: ‘In everything you do, put God first, and he will direct you and crown your efforts with success.’ In other words, ‘Thou shalt put God first in all you say or post.’”

Can’t you see the difference in our lives and in the influence of our lives to make God look good if we did this?

So will you do it?

Comments

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