Articles
That God May Be Glorified
That God May Be Glorified
In the fourth chapter of 1 Peter, we are instructed on how to conduct ourselves as children of God. We no longer live for the lusts of men, but for the will of God (2). We are to live according to sound judgment and sober-mindedness (7). We are to love each other fervently (8, cp. 1:22). We are to be hospitable towards each other (9). We are to use whatever talents and abilities we have to serve God (10-11). We are even to be willing to suffer because of our faith (16). Thus Peter instructs: "... if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name" (16). He had earlier instructed us that we are to conduct ourselves "so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen." (vs. 11). We often think about whether our actions will embarrass US. We are careful that our conduct doesn't get us fired from our jobs. We need also to consider how our conduct reflects upon our God. One of the reasons most oft given for unbelief in God is the misconduct of those who are called Christian. Such should never be, and especially of us. Our aim of life is to always be pleasing unto Him. Our aim in life is to do nothing that would cause people to blaspheme our God (cp. Romans 2:23-24). The world may hate us for our moral stance against them, but in our conduct, they should have nothing evil to say about us (2:12). Paul spoke to this. "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31). Young women are to conduct themselves "so that the word of God may not be reviled" (Titus 2:5). Slaves are to live in such a way "that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled" (1Tim. 6:1). Jesus spoke to this when he instructed us to "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16). What image of God is seen in you?
Hugh DeLong
