Is this Glorifying to God?
In light of recent events, I feel the burden to write. When it comes to certain activities, some are clearly sinful in nature while others are justifiable at first glance. For example, drinking alcohol is not inherently sinful, but being drunk and the consequences pertaining to it, is. Likewise, this is applied to certain types of activities and places. If we are to lead lives that are “holy and pleasing” to God, then we must examine our actions and our decisions. Simply by entertaining the question: Is this Glorifying to God?
As Paul writes in 1 Corinthian 6:12,
“Everything is permissible for me”—but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me”—but I will not be mastered by anything.
There are certain things that seem to be totally good and harmless, but may bear much greater consequences and are not beneficial. Certain activities may be totally fun, but the temptations that are associated with it can be harmful. Such as lust of the eyes and sexual immorality, to name a few. Even though we might feel that we are better or stronger than this, why tempt ourselves? Ultimately, is what you are doing Glorifying to God?
In addition, if we are called to be witnesses for Christ, then we must be more careful of what we say and do. Let us not be hypocrites. There are times when the Gospel is not directly spoken or preached, but seen in our actions. These are the times that people view us as Christians. Yes, it is true that by the blood of Christ we are given freedom, but it is freedom from our sinful nature (Romans 6). This is not the freedom to do whatever we want and remain the same, our old selves. For we were once slaves to sin, but we are now slaves to righteousness. The Gospel demands extreme changes in our lives.
Furthermore, if we are witnesses for Christ, then we must live as so. If we are not condemning sin, then we are justifying it. If we do not stay away or go against these activities, and even join in we are merely condoning these activities. As Paul also writes in 1 Corinthians 8:9, “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak”. It is clear that Paul states in this passage that, yes it is possible to do whatever you want for the Glory of God, BUT not to cause someone to stumble. You may be able to justify your actions or not even feel guilty in doing a certain activity, but if someone is weaker and sees that it is acceptable, then we have caused someone to stumble. And ultimately, sin against Christ.
As Christians, we are called to be “in” the world, but not “of” the world. The Bible demands radical living and complete submission and humility to Christ. It does not permit lukewarm ways of living (Revelation 3:15-16). Its either hot or cold. We cannot expect to lead lives as true Christ-followers only on Sundays or in certain regards; it engulfs our entire life in all its respects. The Gospel demands our all, to deny this world, to pick up the cross, and to follow in full faith of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This life was never promised to be easy, but it is worth it. Therefore, all our actions should reflect the Gospel and to point others to the cross by making His name known.#
