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4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.
My paraphrase:
4. Resolved, never to do anything, with my mind, soul, or body, except that which glorifies God. I resolve to be nothing less than glorifying to Him, and not to tolerate anything in myself which is dishonoring to Him, to the best of my ability.
We discussed it in Resolution #1, and now here we are again. The number one job of the Christian is to glorify God.
How do we glorify God?
John Piper suggests that we glorify God by enjoying Him forever. Delighting ourselves in Him, rejoicing in Him. Enjoying and tasting His sweetness.
Are you enjoying God today? Do you delight in His Word, and time spent communing with Him in prayer?
I'd also like to suggest that we glorify Him by our obedience to His commandments. Jesus says that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments.
Are you walking in obedience to Christ today? When is the last time your life was actively changed by your study of the Word of God?
Can we make the commitment, like Edwards, to tolerate nothing less in ourselves than that which glorifies and exalts our Lord?
To be honest, this scares me. It is intimidating to look at my life through this filter. I know what a big sinner I am, and how much I love to have my own way, and thus, to glorify myself.
As Christians, we are called to so much more than self-love and vanity. We are called to worship, and to enjoy, to obey, and to exalt our glorious God and Savior Jesus Christ!
Once again I am challenged by Jonathan Edwards to forsake all- denying myself, to take up my cross and follow Him.
It will be a constant battle, a struggle in my mind. To choose Christ's way, or my own way. To submit myself to God, or to rebel and submit to my flesh.
May God give us grace to love Him more, and to seek to glorify Him in all that we think, say and do!
May we tend to His glory!
Great post. I am actually posting a 3 part story this week that has to do with the glory of God in a "rubber meets road" way. I am enjoying reading this resolutions via you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mandy! Glad you're enjoying the Resolutions... they sure are challenging to me. Eager to read your thoughts on this topic! I'll definitely be following along!
DeleteThis is such a great series!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jessica :).
DeleteI think the setting aside of one's self is the hardest thing we, as Christians, are called to, but it is the most important!
ReplyDelete