Living life for the glory of God

All of life is worshiping God, even the boring bits.

Why do I always settle for less than my best?

I asked myself this question and sighed. Why do I always do the easy thing?

I’m always making excuses for doing less than my best. Or maybe I do the ‘bare minimum’.

“Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children;” - Ephesians 5:1-2

How can we be imitators of Christ when we’re doing everything halfway? He doesn’t do things halfway.

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

It doesn’t shed a very good light on Christ. We need to glorify God in everything we do. No matter if it’s as big as applying for college, or just doing the dishes - we need to do everything for Him.
If you’re like me, you realize this is something you need to work on, but maybe you struggle with knowing how to put it into practice.
Here are five practical things you can do today to glorify God with everything you have.

1. Read God’s word and talk to Him daily

This tip, although obvious, is the most important of them all.

The word of God is fuel.

If you’re spending all day running on empty, then you’ll never be able to glorify God. Yet, so often, that’s what we do. We forsake reading the Bible and talking to God for other diversions like our phones. No wonder we do lots of things halfway, because we lack the nourishment to do anything else.

Each day start with a time of prayer and reading. Dig deep into His Word and see what He has to say about your life. See what He has to say about you. Ask God to help you see places where you aren’t doing your best to glorify God and ask Him to help you correct them.

2. Make a list

I love lists.

The check in the box gives me satisfaction and makes me feel like I have actually accomplished something in a day. This is a really helpful tool that helps me pursue excellence.

Make a list of things you need to get done in one day, whether that be school, work, or hobbies. Then, make a time limit of how much time you should spend on each thing.

If you’re a student going to school, make sure you’ve got space in your day to do your homework. It might not seem particularly ‘Godly’ but working hard on your science project is what God wants you to do in that moment. Make a list to help you keep track of your time and to help you to glorify God in everything you do, whether it be school or chores.

3. Ask for accountability

Life is lived in community, so we shouldn’t be trying to go solo.

My parents often remind me if I’m slacking in an area, and I am thankful for that. But something that I have found particularly helpful is accountability from my friends.

I have recently started an accountability group with a friend, and it has already helped me tremendously. I have asked her to point out any ways she sees me slacking, and also recruited her to ask how I have been doing in certain areas. One of those areas I ask her to help me with is giving glory to God.

Find a good friend, family member, or even mentor and ask them if you both could partner and keep each other accountable. Maybe it will help you remember to glorify God in every area of your walk.

4. Memorize verses

Memorizing scripture can be hard.

And, it can be an anchor in a stormy sea.

God has used scripture in my life when dealing with anxiety, temptation and even anger. Memorizing it can help for His truth to sink into your heart and penetrate your mind. Then, in times of need, He will bring it up to show you what you should do, and to remind you of His love. Maybe memorize the verses above. (Ephesians 5:1-2) and (1 Corinthians 10:31)

5. Show yourself grace

Remember to show yourself grace. You aren’t going to do everything right the first time (or maybe even the second or third). And we must try to do our best and glorify God, but we also must allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

All things will be made new. Right now, this world is corrupt, full of sin. There’s evil everywhere. We sin all the time. But God promises that one day there will be a new earth and we will be renewed.

Right now, you won’t achieve perfection, but you can pursue excellence.

But we must try and never give up. Keep striving to live for Him and to glorify Him! It’s hard, but we will see the results of it one day.