Three weeks ago, we witnessed history on the National Mall. Some saw it live.
There is no doubt that God is behind President Barack Obama and his family, new residents of the White House, as each continues to lead a “God-glorifying life.”
God is teaching us some valuable lessons. Many think a God-glorifying life is one of perfection, free of mistakes, and absent of sin. The truth is far different.
We ask, “How do we adopt the attitude needed to live ‘A God-glorifying life?’”
The answer is in Isaiah (26:8): “In the path of thy judgments, O lord, we wait for thee; thy memorial name is the desire of our soul.” In the New International Version (NIV) we find, “Yes, Lord walking in the ways of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desires of our hearts.”
In these passages, God reveals His ways and desires to those who desire to truly know His wishes and to please Him. Beth Moore, in the ninth chapter of her book, Breaking Free, states, “The biggest obstacles to living a ‘God-glorifying’ life is pride.” It is one thing to be proud of something, such as the election of our first African-American president, but being prideful is something else.
The method for adopting a God-glorifying attitude can be found in Jesus’ teachings, in Matthew (6:25), “Therefore I tell you do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food and the body more important than clothes?” Christ is making two important points here, about attitude and about true values in life.
The God-glorifying life is one that includes making mistakes and committing sin. It is the response to life’s errors that makes the difference. The God-glorifying person admits to wrongs quickly, through the act of confession, and feels repentance. The God-glorifying person can apologize, ask for forgiveness, forgive others, and, importantly, atone, or change his ways, as God dictates through His word.
A God-glorifying life is one that, in spite of setbacks, continues to seek after God, and to pray for strength to live righteously, long before death. It is a life that adopts a God-glorifying attitude, believing that our God is a God of second chances, able to give us lives filled with peace and justice.
A God-glorifying life is one of “righteousness,” a Hebrew word tsedek meaning “victory.”
Righteousness is not innocence or obedience to the law, but is a path illuminated by God’s judgments, evidenced by His involvement in human affairs. This is why the world cheered when President Obama won the election, and watched intently as he took the oath of office. It is obvious to many that God is involved in America’s human and political affairs.
President Obama is motivated to work hard to restore the world’s confidence in America’s government. The world sees God’s hand upon our new president, and upon his extended family. God is using the current political situation to teach the world the meaning of living a God-glorifying life.
The Rev. Dr. R. Joaquin Willis is pastor of the Church of the Open Door at 6001 NW 8th Ave., Miami. To contact the church, call 305-759-0373 or email the pastor at pastoropendoorc@bellsouth.net.
No Comment