Do Your Decisions Serve the Lord?
Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. (1 Peter 4:9–10 CSB)
Do you think people tend to be self-centered? I do, and I think it about myself, not just others. Self-centeredness seems to be woven into our human nature, a nasty bit we have to fight so it doesn’t take over. Self-care is important, but how often do we veer off into making everything about us? Probably more than we care to admit. When we become rooted in self-centeredness, we’re usually in a frustrating and lonely place.
A more dangerous result of self-centeredness can be unintentionally changing the gospel to center on us instead of on others. We should always be grateful and celebrate what Christ has done for us personally because the gospel is personal. But it is not selfish.
I came across the above verses in 1 Peter when I was struggling to make a decision about a volunteer opportunity. I kept waffling—feeling like it was something I was supposed to do, but then worrying about the time commitment and about spreading myself too thin. Both are valid concerns. We should be careful with our yeses and make sure they’re the right yeses for us and our families, but we shouldn’t let our caution become a crutch that enables us to avoid commitments.
In the midst of my indecision, I kept reading: “If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11 CSB).
I can analyze a decision to death. I can manufacture worst-case and best-case scenarios in my head all day long. I can make a list, check my schedule, color-code my options, and on and on and on. However, these verses showed me my decisions should boil down to one question: How would my current yeses and this new opportunity glorify God?
This particular volunteer opportunity kept popping up again and again. It would easily fit into my schedule, and it would be utilizing one of my gifts apart from a screen. Writing and graphic design, both gifts I enjoy using, can be such solitary pursuits, and I had been feeling a deep need to get my introverted self out more. This opportunity certainly fit the bill.
As Christians, we’re supposed to abandon self to serve others and glorify God. This abandoning self doesn’t mean that we never take care of ourselves. It’s not selfish to make sure we are healthy in body and mind. But I want this mindset to permeate my lifestyle.
I want my days to start with Jesus and then everything else to follow the path that will glorify him. Will I be perfect? No. Romans 3:23 reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (CSB). While we should strive to do our best to glorify the Lord, we have to realize that sometimes we will fail; we’ll do or say the wrong thing, and sometimes we’ll be selfish or self-centered, despite our best intentions. However, we need to realize that we’re not meant to be perfect. That’s why we need Jesus. We can leave these failings with him and then get back up and try again.
The more we stay in God’s Word, worship, pray, and develop our relationship with him, the more we’ll see his goodness and glory in our everyday lives. And the more our everyday lives with glorify him.
Dear Lord, help us as we strive to bring glory to your name. Give us opportunities to shine for you. Let us see that you can be glorified even in the mundane. Amen.
Scripture for Reflection
“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14–16 CSB)
“Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering, since he who promised is faithful. And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:23–25 CSB)
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me;
let us exalt his name together.” (Psalm 34:1–3 CSB)
Reach for More
Putting God first is always the best choice. It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day life and just rush, rush, rush, but I challenge you (and me) to focus on putting the Lord first in whatever you’re doing on any given day. Start by making sure your goal for the day is to bring glory to the Lord. With every decision and activity, briefly ask, How can I bring glory to the Lord in this situation? Try it and see what the Lord can do.
is a writer, blogger, and middle school teacher. She and her husband live in Georgia with their three children. In addition to teaching and writing, Dana loves to read, paddle board, and sometimes run. She blogs about faith, family, and enjoying the everyday life at danaherndon.com.
Photograph © Bravely Inspired Creative, used with permission
Well said Ms. Dana. We humans, at least sometimes, have a tendency to “overthink” and “over-analyze” things until they become a much larger task in our minds than they are in reality. Many times, this results in a “No” decision; even when it’s in godly service. It’s always important to understand one’s time constraints and priorities. Understanding these can help us determine that “yes” or “no”, if it be in God’s will. Sometimes, when we calculate a “No”, God can be persistent. At those times, when the request won’t leave us alone or continues to be on our minds/in our hearts, then revisit and if time is really not there, then decide what to remove from your list so you can add the time needed to say “Yes” to this, and “Yes” to God.