Step One: Glorify God
Scripture Reading — Romans 11:33-12:2
Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
—1 Corinthians 10:31
It took the better part of an hour for Martin and Rose to pour out a sampling of the hate-filled words and deeds they had inflicted on one another in ten years of their marriage. Their counselor responded, “I see where you are, Martin, ready to move out. And Rose, I see where you are, ready to file for divorce. But I have one question for both of you: Where do you see God in your relationship?
“Do it all for the glory of God” sounds like nice language for a Sunday morning. But, in fact, it must be the guiding principle of everything we do. To glorify God means to honor our Savior and Lord by trusting him, obeying him, and imitating him in every situation—and that includes conflicts.
The church in Corinth was locked in a controversy between members from Jewish and Gentile backgrounds over eating food that had been sacrificed to idols. Paul instructed them in spiritual truths that would help them resolve this problem. “‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say—but not everything is beneficial… No one should seek their own good, but the good of others” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24).
The principle about glory to God could be stated this way: “The issue is not whether I am getting my way or you are getting yours. But is God getting his way in both our lives?” This is the only way to have peace with one another.
God, forgive me for wanting only my way. Change my mind so that I seek your will above all else. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — David Zandstra
David Zandstra is a retired pastor living in Marietta, Georgia, having served five churches from New Jersey to California. Along with other ministries, he counsels clients of a pregnancy resource center. He acknowledges his indebtedness to the training and resources of Peacemaker Ministries. David and his wife, Margie, have three children and six grandchildren.
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