Daily Devotional, Nov 30, 2023 Morning Glory

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:17

Brian works as a security guard in a housing complex. Every single day, he goes to his post and does his job of securing the building. He also took it to himself to help out older residents with their needs, mothers who come bearing heavy grocery bags, and children needing help crossing the street. He may not realize it, but he is glorifying God through his actions. By looking out for other people’s interests, and going the extra mile he fulfills God’s commands to love one another.

Whenever the priest or pastor gives his final blessing after the mass or service, he always tells the congregation to “go in peace and glorify God with your lives.” While we churchgoers are more than happy to receive the blessing, how many of us take the message seriously by intentionally glorifying the Lord with our lives?

The Apostle Peter says one of the best ways to glorify God with our life is to serve others using the blessings God has showered upon us:

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 4:10-11

While we cannot all work full time in church, we should be aware that each of us were given talents, time, and treasure to share to others. Putting their best interest ahead of our own (Philippians 2:3-4), we should intentionally use our blessings to do things that will uplift others. Simply put, our actions and presence should lead people to praise God. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ Himself commanded us to lead others to praise His Heavenly Father:

“In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

So how do we know if we are acting this way? For example ask yourself, when they are old enough, will your children praise God that He chose you to become their mom? Are your neighbors thanking God that they have someone like you in the community who is helpful to them and happy to volunteer in activities? Were you ever considered as God’s blessing by other people — like those whom you hardly know but whose lives you’ve touched?

As the leader of our bible study group puts it, most of the Lord’s commands are meant to be lived out everyday amongst others. We do good to them, we look out for their welfare and we share their burden. Think back to the last time you prayed, did your prayer include people you thanked God for for making your life better? If yes, then follow their example of selflessness. In His letter to the Galatians, The Apostle Paul reminds us:

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

The good news is even if we are handsfull with parenting our children, we mothers can still glorify God through our everyday lives. Here are some practical examples of what we can do:

1. Make an extra batch of food to send to your parents, an elderly neighbor, your parents in-law, your busy relative or churchmate, or a random familiar face you see everyday. Make use of same day courier service to send it to them if you cannot personally give it to them.

2. Sincerely ask a seemingly problematic friend or acquaintance how you can pray for her today, and do so. Lend a listening ear too.

3. Visit an elderly or sick friend.

4. Recalibrate your schedule and do not overfill your to-do list so that you will not be too tired to gently parent your children. Spend time with them even if it means singing a few songs in youtube-karaoke. Be in tune with your body’s need to rest and eat so that you will not take out your tiredness, hunger, or sleepiness on the children by being a monster mom.

5. Do something good for someone who can never pay you back in the form of either money or favor.

6. Be cheerful and smile. It may seem like a cliche but joyful people can inspire others to be happy. Who knows you can even share the gospel with that person next time around.

7. Do a random act of kindness on a stranger. When in line to get a coffee, get an extra cup for someone who is at the farthest end of the line. Let someone go ahead of you in a queue. Offer help for someone struggling to carry or fix something. 8. Volunteer in church and charity work.

If you think that doing the above-mentioned things may waste your time and turn your schedule upside down, take comfort in these words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as quoted in the Gospel of Matthew:

"Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." 
Matthew 10:39

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Philippians 2:1-11 and Galatians 6:1-10 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Are you glorifying God with your life? What can you do today to make others praise God?

Conversation with the Lord:Heavenly Father, I praise and thank you for loving me inspite of my occasional selfishness. Forgive me for this and give me the confidence to change  and become selfless like you. Allow me to live for others and follow your example so that I could glorify you with my life. Amen.