All for the Glory of God

Today, as I was starting my day I was reminded of a conversation I had earlier in the week about perceptions.  Truth and honesty is always the best route to take but all too often people hide behind the issue as opposed to standing tall and defending their remarks.  I hate to admit it but I allowed someone to take my joy about my job from me, I literally handed it over without a single thought.  I was reminded of a story from bible Matthew 6:16-17 (NIV) whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 17″But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face…” I realize I am not in the same situation but the truth and reality is I came into work today upset because of someone else’s perceptions of me, really!  I needed someone to hit me in the head like the commercial “I could have had a V-8!!  Seriously, I need to be me, coming in as I normally do; I had at least five people ask me if I was ok today.  I was not myself and as much as I like to think I was the only person affected by these perceptions, I am mistaken it affected the very people I like bringing joy to on a daily basis.  Tomorrow is a new day, my joy is from God and I cannot let arbitrary people control it.  Although my heart is still saddened, an outward appearance of sadness will not resolve my issues.  God knows our hearts; our relationship with Him is a personal one and by exposing this specific ordeal in an outward way will bring attention but not wisdom and peace.  As a Christian I am to be a beckon of light to God and live an example of following His commandments, and although I can never be perfect I can strive to Christ-like behavior and always find rest and forgiveness not because of anything I can do but because of God’s love, His grace and His mercy.  I have no doubts that God is working within my life and that every day is an opportunity to serve Him, God wants and desires to be in our lives…look, listen and feel His presence daily.  My joy is a gift from God and I make a difference in people’s lives and I am proud of that.  We all have spiritual gifts and they are woven into our very existence, be the person God created you to be, and to God be all the glory.  Colossians 3:17 (NIV) “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

When things go our way it’s easy to give the glory to God, but what about the things and times when they don’t go as we would like and when we feel persecuted?  Accepting things we don’t like can be difficult and the difficulty comes in many forms…

1.) We acknowledge we are not in control, God is!

2.) We question our faith in God. 

3.) We see our humanness and our inability to be or do anything worthwhile in the absence of God, our Creator and Redeemer!  This is simple and yet made complex by our sinful nature. 

To God be the Glory

~Peace and Blessings~