Obedience and God’s Glory

I’ve had to back track to week three in my study of Experiencing Christ Within because I realized I never journaled about this chapter titled Becoming Spiritually Porvocative. In layman’s terms, it’s all about how our obedience brings about God’s glory.

When I think of obeying God, I think of striving to do what He wants so I can please Him and be blessed. But that’s not what this chapter is about. It’s about obeying so that the glory of God will be shown to others. It takes the focus off of ourselves and the reward (what blessing can I get by obedience?) and puts it on others and God’s glory (how will my obedience affect someone else’s veiw of God.)

Edwards uses this example:

“When John the Baptist was in the wilderness preaching about repentance to huge crowds, they asked him, ‘What shall we do?’

John could have answered with a generalized ‘Love God and do what is right.’ But he was much more specific. (Read Kuke 3:10-14) This challenging answer was designed to promote both a radical trust in an unseen God and a genuine concern for other’s needs. As people gave away thier extra to those in need, they demonstrated that their trust was not in any surplus but in a faithful God.

Later the tax collector came to John and then a band of soldiers. They too asked, “What shall we do?” John could have given the same answer he did before, but he choose applications specific to each group.

To the tax collectors he said “take only what is due you” and to the soldiers he told them to “do no violence and not to falsely accuse anyone.” This was exactly what each group was NOT doing.

He asked each group to do what was UNHEARD of in their day so that they would have an opportunity to unleash the power of God’s glory.

The bottom line for me in this chapter: Focus on God’s glory first.
The practical application: How can I give my children a better glimpse of God?

If I focus on bringing God’s glory in my home and discipline, what would that look like?

Not reacting out of impatience or in anger is the first thing that comes to mind.

Using kind words when my critical spirit rears its ugly head.

Working through issues instead of arguing.

Maybe offering a little more grace instead of discipline and asking “how can God be glorified in this situation?” instead of “How can I get my childern to do what I say?” (Ouch! I needed that one.)?

So does that mean I neglect discipling them all together? No. My children need to know that the consequences of disobeience are serious.(Just ask Adam and Eve)But I would rather have them obey me out of love and respect instead of out of fear and consequences.

Focusing on God’s glory takes the focus off of myself and what I can get out of my children’s obedience. When I focus on God’s glory, it puts me in a place where I can minister the love of God and God’s power can be displayed in my relationships with my kids.

And that to me is more powerful than any form of discipline.