God-Centered
Today's Scripture
"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - (1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT)
Thoughts for Today
Earlier this week we mentioned hopeful passion is God- and others-centered. If we have hopeful passion, we are passionate about things that glorify God and help others in some way. The apostle Paul remained God-focused in his passion for the Lord despite many difficulties. He said, "For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances" (Philippians 4:11 NIV).
Paul's passion was motivated by a consuming love for Jesus and a great desire to share the love of Jesus with others. Though he experienced ridicule, hatred, beatings, imprisonment, and ultimately execution, he never lost that passion. Why? Because his passion was motivated by love. It was not self-centered. It was God-centered and people-centered. And so no matter what happened to him, he was content as long as he was doing all for the glory of God.
Consider this …
What are some ways we can be more like Paul? How can we be certain our passion is centered on God and others and not ourselves? We need to know Jesus more intimately by spending more time with him and in the Word. Meditate on Bible passages. Pray . . . and listen to what God is saying. Sometimes we may simply need more "stillness" in our life. "Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10 NLT).
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life." (Psalm 139:23-24 NLT)
These thoughts were drawn from . . .
Where is the Image of God in You? by Brad Rymer. The purpose of this study is for us to see how some of the different character traits we have can be used in constructive rather than destructive ways in our lives and relationships so that we are operating more and more in the image of God according to the way He created us. Also, this study can help us better understand others as we build godly relationships. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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