Passion for God's Glory, Part 2

October, 2006

by: Brock Bolde

The more I grow in my walk with Christ, the more I realize how utterly dependent I am on God’s grace; and the more aware I become of God’s grace, the more I want to live for Him and His glory. This is the lifeblood of the Christian faith – living our lives for the glory of the One who has redeemed us from the pit of Hell. The Apostle Paul had a lot to say about the purpose and conduct of a believer’s life:

Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father (Colossians 3:17).

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men (Colossians 3:23).

As parents, we need to make sure that we are teaching our children that the purpose of their lives is to bring glory to God. This is to be the driving force behind all that they do; whether they are playing sports, an instrument, or simply studying for a class they are to do it for the glory of God. Mark Matlock puts it well when he writes:

“The motive force in God’s vision (and what is often lacking in the lives of today’s generation of students) is a passion for God’s glory. God’s glory is the reflection of His character, His unfailing, unique attributes that make Him God. We were created to ‘bear’ His image, to bring Him honor and glory by living according to His vision for us. God is passionate about this, and if we understand His great love and plan for our lives, we will be passionate about it too” (Generation Hope, p. 30).

Now before you start thinking about your child’s passion for God’s glory, let me ask you about your passion for God’s glory. Is it really something that characterizes your life? Do you approach your work (whether it be at an office or as a stay-at-home mom) with a desire to bring glory to God? Are you somebody that works hard solely for the hope of a bigger paycheck or are you somebody that works hard for the glory of God? Do you understand that everything you do, everything, is to be done for God’s glory? Do you look for those opportunities for God to use you to tell others about His matchless grace and mercy? If you answered any of these questions negatively, then it is very likely that your child doesn’t have a proper view of what his purpose in life is. Even if you didn’t answer any of the questions negatively, it is still possible that your child doesn’t understand what his purpose in life is. So let me challenge all of us to make it a point to ask our children, without prompting them in any way — “What is the purpose of your life?” I am sure that many of us will get that “deer in the headlights” look accompanied with the “cricket chirping” silence but let us use that as a means to teach our children. Let us embrace their lack of understanding so that they might understand that they are a part of something that is much bigger than they are. Let us take that opportunity to help them to grasp the fact that the universe does not revolve around them; that their happiness is not the chief end of all mankind; that there is more to life than Gameboys and Television. This is our calling as parents — to help our children to grow in their understanding of God and His plan for each of us in this life; to help them to grasp the fact that God is worthy and deserving of all glory and praise. May each of us be faithful to follow that calling to such a degree that God would receive all of the glory!

• Passion for God's Glory, Part 1
• Passion for God's Glory, Part 2