To the Glory of God...

"We only have our two-fifths-of-a-second-long scene to live. I don't know about you, but I want my two-fifths of a second to be about my making much of God. First Corinthians 10:31 says, 'Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.' That is what each of our two-fifths of a second is about.
So what does it mean to you?"
(Taken from 'Crazy Love', by Francis Chan, Ch. 2, pg. 44)

After reading this, my heart and mind both say, "How am I living my 'scene'? Am I living for me, or to the glory of God?" In our American culture, living for the Glory of God and dying to self is hard. Not only is it hard in our flesh because all humans are natural self-pleasers, but our culture says that if you don't serve yourself first, you're crazy!
        My family and I were out shopping, and I noticed somebody trying to ask this lady something in the parking lot. After they asked the 2nd or 3rd time she turned around and said, "Oh, I'm sorry, I was so wrapped up in my world, I didn't hear you!" And not that I totally don't do that, but it's a good reminder to myself to be constantly focused on others, and not me. Also, if anybody has noticed Pepsi's "Live for Now" advertising... That made me really sad. I don't want to live for now. Living for now usually results in, "What is the best way to self-indulge?" and "How can I make 'the now' better for myself?" 
I am writing this post as a self-reminder to myself, because I am always finding myself caught up in the moment, tangled in a mess of pleasing myself.
One thought I had the other day has been really on my heart as of late.
 Am I living with the world and trying to get enough of it before I tell God, "Okay, I've had enough. Can you take me to heaven now so I can fill myself of pleasure there now?" Or, am I living in the world but standing out because I don't belong here anyway? Heaven is my true resting place, and God is where I should derive my joy and pleasure from.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
   
(1 John 2:15-17 ESV)

Living for others and to the Glory of God is hard. And, it doesn't come easily. I've noticed something in my quiet times, the bible is full of verbs. Action verbs. And it's pretty hard to carry out the action of an action verb without doing anything! :)

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
    Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
   
(Romans 12:9-21 ESV)

Now, practicing is hard work too! But, he takes our burdens and when I practice righteousness, I feel very joyful. It brings me happiness to know that I'm doing what my King has commanded! And even though I try and fail, and try and really fail and try even harder and fail yet again, HE LOVES ME. Isn't that unbelievable! I am so thankful for a God who tenderly loves his children, and who rebukes them in gentleness, and even though are constantly turning around to other things, loves them.
 
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
(John 15:9 ESV)

He loves us so much, he died to cleanse us. That is amazing.

~Bugg