What will bring the most honor to God?

“Do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you were bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.”  1 Corinthians 6:19 HCSB

Today is the fourth and final question in our series on avoiding regret with good decisions.  Previously we have asked;

• What story do I want to tell? Thinking about the decision from a future perspective.
• Am I being completely honest with myself?  Recognizing the deceitfulness of the heart.
• Is there a tension that needs my attention? Looking out for the red flags, or quickened spirit.

And today we ask, what will bring the most honor to God?

What makes this question the most compelling for me is the fact that it moves us beyond a decision between right and wrong.  We’re actually pretty good with right and wrong stuff.  In our culture, these two absolutes do get blurred at times, but most people, at least most Christians can usually agree on a solution when the question is a clear choice between a right solution and a wrong solution.  However, this question helps us when either A) it is not clear which is right or wrong, or B) either solution could be considered right.

The idea of bringing glory to God is not something we necessarily deal with on a daily basis.  However it can be illustrated from the reverse by bringing to mind those individuals whom we all know who seem to take credit for everything.  You know that guy?  The one in your office, or on your staff?  We’ve all met these people before.  What is it you remember about them?  Do you ever remember saying to yourself, ‘Man, I’d like to hang out with that guy some more!’  Probably not.  In fact, most of us avoid people like this.

We do this because we know something about how we’re made as humans.  We understand that we are not built to receive glory.  It doesn’t fit us.  When people try to glorify themselves, in reality it makes them smaller in our eyes, not bigger.  Why is that?  It’s because glory doesn’t exist for humans.  It is only intended for God.

Taking this one step further, we recognize there are times when people want to shower other people with glory.  We see it all the time.  Super Bowls, World Series, PGA, you name it, and where there is a big victory, there are lots of people waiting around to shower the winner with some undue glory.  We say “undue” because as Christians, we understand that whatever ability, or series of fortunate events that led to a person achieving greatness in any endeavor, that ability, or that good fortune has a Source.  And the Source, is not within us.  In fact, it’s not of this world at all.  The source of all greatness, be it athletic, academic, or otherwise, is the Lord Jesus Christ.

This understanding makes this week’s question make sense.  When I am facing a decision of consequence, I need to consider which of my options will give glory to the One who has trusted me with the decision in the first place.  This perspective, combined with the other considerations should give any person the confidence to make a decision that will leave them with little or no regret.

I will say, this isn’t necessarily an easy task.  But, given time through prayer and meditation, once you settle this question in your mind, you should be able to move forward with confidence.  So, let me ask, which solution will bring the most honor to God?

Scripture to Claim:
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”  (Matthew 5:16, HCSB)

Submitted By Keith Warren