(Audio Book) Doing All For the Glory of God (Clip)
William MacDonald emphasizes that every action of a Christian should be done for the explicit purpose of glorifying God, moving beyond mere avoidance of harm to actively seeking God's honor in all things.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of doing all things to the glory of God, highlighting that the true test of Christian behavior is whether it brings glory to God rather than just avoiding harm. It encourages believers to seek the good in all they do, ensuring that their actions honor God and do not hinder their spiritual race.
Full Transcript
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. One core. 1031.
One of the great tests of Christian behaviour is whether there is any glory for God in it. Too often we test our conduct by the question, is there any harm in it? But that is not the question. What we must ask is this, is there any glory for God in it? Before engaging in any activity, we should be able to bow our head and ask the Lord to glorify himself in what we are about to do.
If God cannot be honoured by it, then we should refrain from doing it. Other religions might be satisfied with behaviour that has the absence of harm in it. Christianity moves beyond the merely negative to the distinctly positive.
Therefore, as Keith L. Brooks said, if you would be a successful Christian, stop hunting for the harm there is in things, and start looking for the good. If you want your life to be happy, cast your lot among those persons who are asking for the good and not the harm there is in it. Things might be harmless in themselves and yet be a dead weight in the Christian race.
There is no law against an Olympic runner's toting a sack of potatoes in the 1,500m race. He can carry the spuds, but he can't win the race. So it is with the Christian.
Things may be harmless and yet be a hindrance. But usually when we ask, is there any harm in it, our question betrays a hidden doubt. We don't ask that about activities that are legitimate on the face of themselves as prayer, Bible study, worship, witness and our daily work.
Incidentally, any honourable work can be done to the glory of God. That is why some housewives have this motto over their kitchen sink, Divine Services Conducted Here Three Times Daily. Whenever in doubt, we could follow this advice from John Wesley's mother, if you wish to determine the lawfulness of a pleasure, follow this rule, whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes away the relish of spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of your body over your mind, that thing is sin.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The centrality of glorifying God in all actions
- Common mistake: focusing on harm rather than glory
- The test of Christian behavior is God's honor
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II
- Christianity calls for positive pursuit of good
- Avoiding activities that do not glorify God
- The analogy of the Olympic runner and hindrances
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III
- Legitimate activities that naturally glorify God
- Everyday work and duties as divine service
- John Wesley's mother's rule for lawful pleasures
Key Quotes
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” — William MacDonald
“If God cannot be honoured by it, then we should refrain from doing it.” — William MacDonald
“Things might be harmless in themselves and yet be a dead weight in the Christian race.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Before engaging in any activity, ask if it will bring glory to God and refrain if it does not.
- Shift your mindset from merely avoiding harm to actively seeking ways to honor God in daily life.
- Treat everyday tasks as opportunities to serve God and glorify Him through faithful work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to do all for the glory of God?
It means that every action, whether big or small, should be done with the intention of honoring and reflecting God's greatness.
Why is focusing on harm not enough for Christians?
Because Christianity calls believers to pursue what is positively good and glorifies God, not just to avoid what is harmful.
Can ordinary daily tasks glorify God?
Yes, even routine activities like housework can be done as acts of worship and service to God.
What is the significance of John Wesley's mother's advice?
It provides a practical guideline to discern if a pleasure or activity weakens spiritual sensitivity and thus should be avoided.