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Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Service (12/21/03)
TITLE: To God be the Glory
By david strickland
12/27/03
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I love the movie “Rudy”. It is such a great example of what it means to glorify God. Rudy fulfills his life long mission of becoming a member of the Notre Dame football team. Not because of any great talent he had but because he had a passion for something and wasn’t going to let anything stop him.
When you have a passion for something you will often be found involved in your passion. What is your passion? Hopefully, it’s to bring glory to God in all aspects of your life. The word glory in the Greek is translated “to render or to place a high value on.” We can place value on our relationship with God by using our gifts.
Unlike Rudy, who had very little if any athletic ability whatsoever, Christians have talents and we must recognize that God is the source. (James 1:17) Before we can use our gifts we must first discover what they are. Natural abilities come from the same spirit as spiritual gifts, so they are no less spiritual.
Have you ever stopped to think that you can bring glory to God through cooking a meal, sewing, doing yard work, coaching a ball team, songwriting, and many other everyday activities which could be used to help others. After we have discovered our gifts we must dedicate them to the Lord. (1 Corinthians 10:31) I have written poems and ended up throwing them away instead of sharing them with people who might benefit from reading them. God has convicted me of this selfish act. Are you a gifted musician, poet, teacher, baker? He gave you this gift, now give it back to him and see what he does.
After dedicating your gifts you must develop them. “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened more strength is needed but skill will bring success.” (Eccl. 10:10) Tiger Woods was not born the best golfer in the world. He had to work to develop his skills. If he ever stops working at it , he will no longer be the best in the game. He can’t just show up and win, even the best athletes in the world must practice. So look for opportunities to use your gift whenever you can and you will have success.
It has been said that the chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying him forever. John Piper stated that “God is most satisfied in us when we are most satisfied in him.” Discover your gifts, dedicate them to God, develop your skills, and you will surely be delighted.(Ecclesiastes 3:12-13)
What are you waiting on? You really can enjoy God. J