Date: 08-09-24
Preacher: Rev Ramachandran
Title: Glorify God in all Things
Glorify God in all Things
After listening to this morning’s message, which was based on 1 Corinthians 10:31, I was tempted to write a ‘thesis’ on it for I felt I had to do justice to Rev Rama. It was another great message from the man but in the interest of time, his last point had to be omitted. My job is to go for the gist.
In his lead-in he was addressing what it meant to glorify God. Rev Rama recapped with the congregation his message in March where he shared 4 points on what it meant to glorify God which were more manifested as compared to this morning’s message, which was more inward dwelling. By inward dwelling, he meant glorifying God when people don’t see and it has to do with our attitude of our heart and mind. To glorify God is to reflect His holiness and greatness in our lives. He said we need to look at Jesus Himself when it comes to glorifying God.
Most of the time, we are so caught up with what we want for ourselves and our children in terms of careers and academic results that rare are the parents to say to their children ‘make sure you do what God wants you to do’.
As Christians we need to realise often that we are not living for ourselves. I am sure the congregation as much as myself lapped up all the anecdotes of his work in the mission field. There were the surgeon from Lebanon and the medical professor from UK, both of whom would have made a lot of money but who choose to serve in 3rd world countries roughing it out. He also shared the anecdote of his own son who successfully applied to only one company in obedience to God despite the commonsensical approach to apply to more openings to increase the chances of being employed.
Rev Rama then went on to share 4 points on how to glorify God:
- Repositioning my Priority – submission
- Repositioning my Posture – sacrifice
- Repositioning my Produce - stewardship
- Repositioning my Prestige – servant
His first point concentrated on doing the will of God and his best illustration was Jesus Himself doing His father’s will which is quoted often from the bible. The second refers to us offering ourselves as a living sacrifice and for me, the most pointed phrase he shared was ‘no sacrifice, no ministry’. He also shared that most of the time, we give God our leftovers and keep the best for ourselves, only attend Sunday church and pray do not touch the rest of our time. His third point brought into focus the fruits we must bear to glorify Him. He broke it down to our character, conduct and converts. He said these can only happen if we have a living relationship with God. However, Rev Rama also cautioned us that we must check ourselves whether we are doing all these for His glory or for our own pride. To me I especially like his statement that when we are doing things for His glory we might do the things we might not like.
It was unfortunate that he had to stop at point 3 in the interest of time but with only 3 points refreshed, I dare say that many in the congregation saw the need to reposition their lives, including me.
