DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD

The ultimate aim and object of every Christian must be to glorify God. Not just in the narrow field of food and drink but in whatever we do, v. 31.

What we eat and drink is important especially if it might be the means of stumbling someone else. In terms of drinking alcohol, which in the world outside causes a lot of trouble, the Christian should set the highest example and refrain so as to be clear of the thing altogether. This is so that others might never be able to say, ‘Well, if he can do it why shouldn’t I?’ It would not be right for the elders of an assembly to go to the local pub and stand at the bar with a pint in hand. What a tragedy if others were to be laid open to excess and harmed in their spiritual lives as a consequence of our actions!

The same could apply in relation to where we go. Christians should be careful concerning the danger of association. We need to be separate from the evil of the world and seen to be so. The Christian should constantly ask the question, ‘Would the Lord Jesus be able to accompany me to this place and for this purpose?’ Sometimes, choices laid before us are clear cut. For instance, a Christian should not go to a casino for the purpose of gambling. Sometimes, perhaps, the situation is not so clear, in which case the advice of an old sage would be well heeded: ‘If in doubt, don’t do it’.

What we do is of the utmost importance. Rather than being negative, it is far better to be positive in our thinking and practice. Positively, we should fill our lives with things that will bring glory to God. We can hardly do this by following worldly pursuits, but we can do it by following through spiritual exercises, those things laid upon our hearts by the Holy Spirit. There is so much that we can do: laying hold of the Lord in prayer; doing the work of an evangelist; seeing the needs of others and stepping in to help wherever we can; being at the fellowship meetings as often as is possible; inviting others to hear the gospel; and pulling our weight in the local assembly.

May it be true of us that we are ‘filled with the fruits of righteousness … unto the glory and praise of God’, Phil. 1. 11.