Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31 NKJV)
Now, in context, this verse is talking about physically eating food coming from the table of an unbeliever who may have offered it up to idols without us knowing. But I would like to extend this into a broader sense - that is, literally having everything we do be done for the glory of God (which is still keeping within the original meaning). In every decision we make, every action we take, every word we speak, His glory must be at the forefront of our minds. Are we glorifying Him - or showing His greatness, in other words - to those around us by doing whatever it is we do?
Let me show you a story to illustrate this point. In Judges 7, there is the account of a man named Gideon who led the Israelites against the Midianites. Gideon's army was a mighty 32,000 strong, but rather than sending them in, God had other plans. See for yourself:
The LORD said to Gideon, "The people with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel boast over me, saying, 'My own hand has saved me.' (Judges 7:2 ESV)
Do you see what is happening here? God says that Gideon's army is TOO BIG for the Lord to send into battle, in case they claim the glory for themselves, so He has to REDUCE the size of their army to such a small number that the only way they could be victorious is by the power of God, and He does just that. In the end, Gideon takes the entire Midianite camp - with 300 men. Surely after such a victory, every man, woman, and child who witnessed or heard of this great feat knew that surely, "there is a God in Israel!" Is this incredible or what?!?
So the people took provisions in their hands, and their trumpets. And he sent all the rest of Israel every man to his tent, but retained the 300 men. And the camp of Midian was below him in the valley. That same night the LORD said to him, "Arise, go down against the camp, for I have given it into your hand.' (Judges 7:8-9)
So Midian was subdued before the people of Israel, and they raised their heads no more. And the land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon. (Judges 8:28)
Are you seeking the glory of God in all that you do? Do you feel like you are facing an army of thousands with a measly 300 men? If so, I would encourage you to take heart, for the smaller the odds of victory, the greater God is glorified in the end, and we know that through Him, "all things are possible."
But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."(Matthew 19:26 NKJV)
Blessings,
Andrew
