Scripture guides us in our ministry endeavors. Two verses in particular, when followed, will keep our ministries on track. Colossians 3:17 exhorts us to do whatever we do in the name of the Lord Jesus, the topic of a previous post. Here we’ll look at doing whatever we do “all for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).
Questions to Ask to Determine if Our Ministry Endeavors Are All Done to the Glory of God
When we look at some specific Scripture passages that deal with how glory can be brought to God, we can learn how to engage in ministry in ways that glorify Him. While it would be easy to respond positively because that’s our desire, we need a reality check because it’s so easy for us to digress.
1) Are we relying on God and His power to be at work in us to accomplish what we do?
“. . . and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thess. 1:11-12)
Be real: Sometimes we just want to get things checked off of our “to do” list. If we don’t rely on Him, it will be so easy to fall back on self-determination and self-effort … and that is not for the glory of God.
2) Are we holding on to the promises of God?
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Cor. 1:20)
Be real: There are many voices clamoring for us to doubt or water down what we believe. If we don’t stand firm on God’s Word, without wavering, it will be so easy for us to compromise and miss out on God’s true blessings … and that is not to the glory of God.
3) Are we authentic and holding ourselves accountable in what we do?
“Then Joshua said to Achan, ‘My son, give glory to the Lord, the God of Israel, and give him the praise. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me.'” (Josh. 7:19)
Be real: There will be times that we err. If we don’t commit to doing ministry with honesty and integrity, it will be so easy to cover up or justify when we have done something wrong … and that is not for the glory of God.
4) Are we keeping our attitudes in check, being grateful to God even when adversity or opposition comes in what we do?
“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.” (Ps. 69:30)
Be real: Things will not always go as we plan. If we don’t learn to be thankful and content in all circumstances, it will be so easy to complain and grumble … and that is not for the glory of God.
5) Are we exercising discernment so we choose what is the best and most righteous way to do what we do?
“… that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God. (Phil. 1:9-11)
Be real: We’re often faced with many good options. If we don’t stop and pray and think through what God would have us do, it will be so easy to take short cuts or settle for second best out of convenience … and that is not to the glory of God.
6) Are we doing what we do so His grace is “reaching more and more people”?
“… so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.” (2 Cor. 4:15)
Be real: Distractions abound in ministry. If we don’t guard and maintain this as an objective, it will be so easy to become ingrown … and that is not for the glory of God.