The British rowing team won the 2000 Sydney Olympics gold medal by asking themselves one question to every single decision they made. (Ladders — you’re busy and want to get ahead. We’ll help.), “Will it make the boat go faster?” Is there one question that would make every decision in your Christian life easier? Yes, always ask yourself, Will it glorify God?
Will it glorify God?
When Paul wrote to the church at Corinth to help them with practical problems of living a godly life in an important city with a widespread reputation for idolatry and sexual immorality, he reminded them of the sacrifice of Christ, and appealed for faithfulness to be the sanctuary of the Holy Spirit.
Have you forgotten that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you, and that you are not the owner of your own body? You have been bought, and at what a price! Therefore bring glory to God both in your body and your spirit, for they both belong to him. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 PHILLIPS)
After 25 years of preaching to a vast area of the eastern Mediterranean basin, he wrote a letter summarizing his theology to the Romans. It is considered to be the greatest theological document ever written. In the closing paragraphs of this letter, Paul concluded with his hopes for the mixed company of Jews and Christians in the Roman community.
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:5-6 NLT)
If this is true for people that hated one another for thousands of years, imagine how true it is for you and your Christian brother down the street. Ask yourself, WILL IT GLORIFY GOD?
For example, whenever non-Jews who don’t have laws from God do by nature the things that Moses’ Teachings contain, they are a law to themselves even though they don’t have any laws from God. They show that some requirements found in Moses’ Teachings are written in their hearts. Their consciences speak to them. Their thoughts accuse them on one occasion and defend them on another. This happens as they face the day when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge people’s secret thoughts. He will use the Good News that I am spreading to make that judgment. (Romans 2:14-16 GWT)
If you ask yourself WILL IT GLORIFY GOD? Your conscience will supply the answer from God through the working of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
Jesus Christ is our example
I haven’t come from heaven to do what I want [2307 thelēma] to do. I’ve come to do what the one who sent me wants [2307 thelēma] me to do. (John 6:38 GWT)
- Strong’s Greek 2307 thelēma
- An act of will, will; plur: wishes, desires. From the prolonged form of ethelo; a determination, i.e. choice or inclination.
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient [5255 hypēkoos] to death–even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8)
- Strong’s Greek 5255 hypēkoos
- Listening to, obedient, submissive. From hupakouo; attentively listening, i.e. submissive.
Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” (Matthew 26:39)
Although Jesus was the Son [of God], he learned to be obedient [5218 hypakoēn] through his sufferings. (Hebrews 5:8)
- Strong’s Greek 5218 hypakoēn
- Obedience, submissiveness, compliance. From hupakouo; attentive hearkening, i.e. compliance or submission.
Examples to ask yourself
Q: You have been invited to a wild boozy party Saturday night. WILL IT GLORIFY GOD?
A: If the answer is no, then don’t go. Don’t agonize over the details. Just say no!
Q: You have been offered a huge promotion that will require lots of travel and sacrifice of your family life. WILL IT GLORIFY GOD?
A: If the answer is no, then the decision is no. There is no need for a huge list of pros and cons. Just say no!
Q: Your friend wants to meet for coffee. WILL IT GLORIFY GOD?
A: If the answer is yes, then the decision is yes. Don’t play the guessing game. Just say yes!
What would happen if we all asked ourselves, WILL IT GLORIFY GOD about every decision we ever made? Can you imagine how much heartache and pain we would be spared. Can you imagine how much treasure we would accumulate in heaven.
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (Colossians 3:1-4 NLT)
“Stop storing up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moths and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal. Instead, store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust don’t destroy and thieves don’t break in and steal. Your heart will be where your treasure is. (Matthew 6:19-21 GWT)