Does all that you say glorify God? The Bible says, with the same tongue we use to speak praise to God, is the same tongue we use to curse man. It also says we should say things in a way that will build people up, encourage them.
James 3:9-10: 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. (NIV)
Ephesians 4:29: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)
We need to be practicing self-control one of the fruits of the Spirit, and others.
Galatians 5:22-23: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)
What about what you do, does all that you do glorify God? There is a saying, "actions speak louder than words." I wonder if that came with the "don't do what I do, but do what I say."
Matthew 5:16: In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)
So we need to be very careful with our words and our actions. We represent God Himself and His Word says we need to be holy, as He is.
1 Peter 1:15-16: 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (NIV)
Leviticus 19:2: “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy. (NIV)
What about what you watch? Is that glorifying God? How about what you listen to for music, talk shows, does that glorify God?
Ask yourselves those questions, and really think about it, be truthful with yourself.
What does it mean to glorify God? My thought - to honor Him as God. We need to let others know that it is Him working in us in regarding our glorifying actions, as we submit to walking in the Spirit - His Holy Spirit. He is God and deserves our praise, worship, devotion, service. If we are not speaking in a way that is pleasing to God, in a way that raises Him up to others He is the only God, the true God, the God who created everything. He is the God who loves us, the God who does not want to see anyone go to hell. Yes, hell is a real place. Then, we are not glorifying Him. If we are sinning in any way, we are not glorifying Him. If we are watching something on TV or listening to something that we shouldn't be, we are not glorifying Him. Be careful what your eyes see. What you see goes into your brain and into your heart. If we are not walking in the Spirit, we are not glorifying Him. There is the old adage "garbage in, garbage out."
Galatians 5:16-17: 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. (NIV)
How do you walk by the Spirit? Submitting to God, resisting the devil, again - practicing the fruit of the Spirit, getting closer to God through prayer and reading the Holy Bible. Get some of your family and friends to help keep you in the Spirit through fellowship with them, hold you accountable. Stay sober minded.
James 4:7: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (NIV)
1 Thessalonians 5:17: Pray continually. (NIV)
Galatians 5: 24-25: 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (NIV)
Galatians 5:22-23: 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (NIV)
Ephesians 5:18-20: 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV)
Colossians 3:16: Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. (NIV)
Thank you for reading this devotion. I hope it is helpful in your walk with God!
Numbers 6:24-26: 24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. (NIV)
Vicky Conklin-Johnson
Prayer Director