Most of us aren’t going to do anything spiritually impressive today. At least not what we’d consider impressive.
Most of us aren’t going to speak at a conference or move to another nation to plant a church, or give our lives as martyrs for Christ. But most of us will have hundreds of opportunities to glorify God through ordinary obedience.
We may have an opportunity to delight in God’s word and pray for his kingdom to come. We may get an opportunity to bless instead of curse that driver behind us who lays on the horn when we hesitate at the green light. We might have opportunities to serve our children by changing their diapers, making their breakfast, wiping their faces and hands, teaching them about Jesus, getting them dressed, picking up after them, reading them stories, taking them to the park, giving them baths.
We may have an opportunity to not join in the gossip in the break room, or to rejoice when our boss is difficult. We might have opportunity to encourage a friend. Or an opportunity to put sin to death instead of giving in to lust or selfishness. We may have an opportunity to humble ourselves and ask someone’s forgiveness. We might have an opportunity to extend compassion to someone or pray for a neighbor.
We’ll probably have countless opportunities to rely on Jesus for strength, to thank him for his goodness, and to believe his Word rather than our circumstances. We’ll probably have opportunities to be an example for others. Opportunities to be kind, forbearing and patient with others. Opportunities to forgive and love.
Every day is filled with countless opportunities for ordinary obedience that brings much glory to God. Opportunities to be faithful in little. And though we might not consider all these acts of ordinary obedience to be very impressive, our Father doesn’t miss one, and he’s pleased with each one, and someday we’ll hear him say, “Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Lord Jesus, thank you for the gift of this day. Help us seize every opportunity to glorify you all day today, till our heads hit the pillows and we thank you for your grace and mercy in giving us another day to serve you and bless your name.
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Thanks Mark! Very refreshing reminders for us ordinary Christians.
"For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
Love that verse. Thanks Bob!
Thanks for the reminder of how we can honor the Lord in the everydayness, nothing special going on of our lives. It certainly adds a new perspective to planning schedules, cleaning toilets, and trying to come up with something new and exciting to do with chicken.
Thanks for the encouragment, Mark; it's always a blessing.
Thanks Elaine,
Hope you didn't have too many toilets to clean…
This reminds me of what John Piper says about "coronary Christians"….. just keep on lub-dubbing faithfully each day in the mundane — but very important to God — stuff of life. Thanks for the encouragement, Mark!
Thanks Lisa! "Coronary Christians" sounds like Christians with heart problems. Probably because of what my dad went through recently. Did John Piper say we should keep on "lub-dubbing"? I'd like to hear him say that. Anyway, to remind you of something by John Piper is an honor. Thanks again.
Thanks for this, Mark. It's a good reminder and challenge for the day.
You're welcome! Thank you!
Thank you Jesus for being their in every moment – both the small and big ones!
Amen, Louis!
Had read this post yesterday evening at work, and I was like "yes yes I do glorify God in ordinary things ..(yes please do sense the pride in this)" and then as usual I got to the gym and forgot that I need to glorify him even when I exercise, and to remember that it is from him that I have the ability to excel. Another injury was a humble reminder of it(do not feel bad as it was my own foolishness and pride as i wanted to prove to someone i was better)
Thank you for writing this post, it was a humble reminder..
Thanks Caroline, Hope you're ok and not injured too badly…yes we can glorify God even when we exercise!
One of my favorite posts you've written. Such a good (and convicting) reminder.
Thanks Christina!
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