Give God Your Best Because of Love (Devotional)

This morning I gave the devotional for the community. What follows is what I shared.

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Whether or not you even believe in God, what I have to share is very practical. I want to share just a little bit about giving our best. For those of us that are living to follow Jesus each day, that means giving God our best. One way of looking at it means that from mopping the floor to brushing your teeth, you do those things to glory of God or to praise God.

In the Bible, it talks about this in three places -

Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.

Colosenses 3:17 - Y todo lo que hacéis, sea de palabra o de hecho, hacedlo todo en el nombre del Señor Jesús, dando gracias a Dios Padre por medio de él.

Colossians 3:22-25 (The Message) - Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn't cover up bad work.

Colosenses 3:22-25 - Esclavos, obedeced en todo a vuestros amos terrenales, no sirviendo al ojo, como los que quieren agradar a los hombres, sino con corazón sincero, temiendo a Dios. Y todo lo que hagáis, hacedlo de corazón, como para el Señor y no para los hombres, sabiendo que del Señor recibiréis la recompensa de la herencia, porque a Cristo el Señor servís. Pero el que actúa con injusticia recibirá la injusticia que haya cometido, porque no hay acepción de personas.

I Corinthians 10:31 - So then, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you may do, do all for the honor and glory of God.

1 Corintios 10:31 - Si, pues, coméis o bebéis o hacéis otra cosa, hacedlo todo para la gloria de Dios.

Some days are going to be difficult to live this out. There are many reasons why it may be hard. Perhaps we are being attacked in those moments by our spiritual enemy Satan and his forces. Maybe we are simply being proud. Then again, our difficulties may arise because God wants to teach us flexibility and change/grow us. Our minds should be shifted to upward, positive thoughts.

Colossians 3:1 - IF THEN you have been raised with Christ [to a new life, thus sharing His resurrection from the dead], aim at and seek the [rich, eternal treasures] that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Colosenses 3:1 - Si, pues, habéis resucitado con Cristo, buscad las cosas de arriba, donde está Cristo sentado a la diestra de Dios.

There have been many difficulties in my life, and there have been days when I prayed to God to help me "make it through" the day. A few years ago, I realized how lousy a prayer this actually was. I changed when I realized that, and I started asking God to help me "really live" today. Really living, to me, means embracing God's plans for me even if they are difficult, giving my best, to seek Christ's strength and riches in my day as it says in Colossians 3.

The practical part is this, not just letting the day pass you by, but taking time today, right now, to prayerfully examine how you've been doing. Have you been giving God your best? Simply, what one area do you need him to help you in to "really live"? Maybe you're honestly giving your best in everything. If that is so, still take time to reflect because only a fool says there is no room for improvement in their lives. Pray and ask God to reveal to you your weaknesses. Write down what it is you need improvement in or how you need to change to really give God your best ... AND DO IT. Begin if you can this week.

God, we lift up these weaknesses to you. We ask that you help us to humbly improve. Help us to give You our best out of love. For those in this room that couldn't think of anything to write down, I ask that you speak to them and show them areas that they can improve in their lives, not to become better people, but for Your glory. Help us to know Your love and to abide in it today. Let us be mindful of it and work towards improving all throughout our day. We love you. Amen.