Including God

Christians have an understandable, but dangerous, tendency to live in two worlds: the secular and the sacred, the "spiritual" and the "ordinary." Some places, people, things and activities are "Christian" and some are not, and really spiritual people are the ones who have more of their lives invested in these things instead of those. Missionaries, pastors, and people who only listen to K-LOVE are model Christians, and the rest of us -- well, we just haven't got to that level yet. It's subtle, but true; we have a Christian class system based our ideas of spiritual prowess. But what if spiritual status is not measured by the kind of job you have, the hobbies you enjoy, or the music you listen to?

Of course spiritual disciplines are essential, but the real test of a spiritual life is whether you go about your ordinary human day hand in hand with God, or leave Him sitting in the corner after you finish your morning Bible reading. Many Christians, even those most highly respected in the church, are so busy doing things for God that they forget to do things with Him. Such "Christian" activities may in fact be far more spiritually empty than the mundane, everyday moments. What God wants most from us is not a list of spiritual accomplishments as long as a Pharisee's robe, but a life that simply delights to include Him in every aspect, however small.

Anything, even the most admirable ministry, if not done from a heart of love for God and aim for His glory is worthless, even sinful (see Romans 14:23). Likewise, even the most "ordinary" and "secular" activities may be acts of worship if He is acknowledged in them. If you cannot possibly include God in what you do, you should not be doing it at all. Anything else should be done from a heart of thankful worship, with open eyes to God's hand and character, for including Him in all is where a full spiritual life is truly found.

Therefore, whether you eat or drink,

or whatever you do,

do all to the glory of God.

1 Corinthians 10:31