Doing All for the Glory of God
The sermon encourages Christians to evaluate their actions based on whether they glorify God rather than simply avoiding harm.
William MacDonald emphasizes that the true measure of Christian behavior is whether it brings glory to God, rather than merely avoiding harm. He encourages believers to ask themselves if their actions honor God, advocating for a positive approach to life that seeks the good rather than just the absence of harm. MacDonald illustrates that harmless activities can still hinder spiritual progress, urging Christians to focus on actions that glorify God. He cites practical wisdom from John Wesley's mother, suggesting that anything that weakens our spiritual sensitivity should be avoided. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life dedicated to glorifying God in all aspects, from daily tasks to significant decisions.
Text
Â"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.Â" (1 Cor. 10:31)
One of the great tests of Christian behavior is whether there is any glory for God in it. Too often we test our conduct by the question, Â"Is there any harm in it?Â" But that is not the question. What we must ask is this: Â"Is there any glory for God in it?Â"
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 honored by it, then we should refrain from doing it.
Other religions might be satisfied with behavior that has the absence of harm in it. Christianity moves beyond the merely negative to the distinctly positive. Therefore, as Keith L. Brooks said, Â"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 Â'goodÂ' and not the Â'harmÂ' there is in it.Â"
Things might be harmless in themselves and yet be a dead weight in the Christian race. There is no law against an Olympic runnerÂ's toting a sack of potatoes in the 1500 meter race. He can carry the spuds but he canÂ't win the race. So it is with the Christian. Things may be harmless and yet be a hindrance.
But usually when we ask Â"Is there any harm in it?Â" our question betrays a hidden doubt. We donÂ't ask that about activities that are legitimate on the face of themÂ--such as prayer, Bible study, worship, witness and our daily work.
Incidentally, any honorable work can be done to the glory of God. That is why some housewives have this motto over their kitchen sink: Â"Divine services conducted here three times daily.Â"
Whenever in doubt, we could follow this advice from John WesleyÂ's mother; Â"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.Â"
Sermon Outline
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I
- Understanding the purpose of our actions
- The importance of glorifying God in everything we do
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II
- The common question of harm vs. glory
- Shifting focus from harm to good
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III
- Recognizing harmless activities that hinder spiritual growth
- The analogy of the Olympic runner
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IV
- Legitimate activities that glorify God
- Finding divinity in everyday tasks
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V
- Guidance for determining lawful pleasures
- The wisdom of John Wesley's mother
Key Quotes
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” — William MacDonald
“If you would be a successful Christian, stop hunting for the harm there is in things, and start looking for the good.” — William MacDonald
“Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, or takes away the relish of spiritual things; that thing is sin.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Before engaging in any activity, ask if it can glorify God.
- Shift your focus from what is harmful to what is good in your life.
- Incorporate a mindset of worship into your daily tasks, recognizing their divine significance.