Living a life that honors God is not something you may be thinking about but should! Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.[1] When we begin to fill our minds with the word of God, the Lord begins to transform us. What we thought was important may not be as the Lord redirects us.
I remember hearing the testimony of a group of men who were part of a men’s choir from Moscow, Russia. Each man told how they were far from God and walked in the ways of the world as they were involved in various criminal activities. Then, one day, their life changed when Jesus intervened, and they came to faith. As they began to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, their lives began to honor God.
Honoring God Can be Learned
God desires all of us to be teachable and moldable so we can fulfill His fantastic plan for our lives, including honoring Him. Paul wrote to Titus about the importance of honoring God because when we do, it changes us and our relationship with the Lord. Although Paul addresses women to live a life that honors God, it also applies to men. Titus 2:3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good.[2]
We can live a life that honors Jesus by living a righteous life. Living a righteous life begins by wanting to obey the Lord and doing what is right as He guides us by His word and the work of the Holy Spirit. As a believer, you are a new creation in Christ, but it takes His strength to lead a different life. Paul also tells us in Philippians 4:13For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. [3]
How Can I Honor God?
What if we began each day praying, “How can I honor you, Lord? Please help me, Lord, to use my time, talent, and treasure to build your Kingdom. As we pray such a prayer, our focus immediately shifts from ourselves to the Lord. The spiritual battle we are in begins in our minds. So, to honor the Lord, the battle must start in prayer as we ask the Lord to help us.
No one can serve two masters, and the Lord desires that He be the master of our hearts. Honoring God is submitting to His ways. As people, we want to do our own thing, which is honoring ourselves, leading to a selfish and unproductive life. The Lord knows our greatest fulfillment in life is honoring Him and walking in obedience, which is His desire for you.
To learn more about living a life that honors God, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/lead-with-integrity
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.