So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
- 1 Corinthians 10.31
The King above is worthy of having every action done with restraint of hand and feet, eyes and ears, mouth and heart.
- The Rule of Carthage, Irish, 7th century
These two quotes provide a concise summary of the Christian's walk: restrain every member of your body, in every situation, upon every opportunity from being used as an instrument of evil; employ all your being at all times for the purpose of glorifying God.
This is the life of faith. How do we do it?
Paul tells us in the larger context of his exhortation. First, recognize that everything we are and all we have and every opportunity in which we find ourselves holds the potential for bringing God into the focus, for opening up a conduit for His presence and grace to flow out toward the people around us (Jn. 7.37-39).
Every action, no exceptions.
Second, (v. 32), do not let anything about your life, words, or actions be a cause of others falling into sin. This assumes both that we know what sin is and that we are prepared to resist the temptation to fall into it.
Third, to the best of your ability, try to please others, to meet their needs, affirm their persons, encourage and uplift them (v. 33) and not to make yourself the focus or issue. Remember, the arrows in your Personal Mission Field point outward toward others, not inward toward yourself.
Fourth, at all times remember that the people with whom you are dealing either have the salvation of Christ, and should be encouraged in it, or are susceptible to being saved, and need to be led toward Him (v. 33). Pointing others toward Jesus and nudging them along the path in His direction should be part of our every action, whatever we do.
Finally, pattern your life after the hard work, self-denial, invest-everything example of Paul and Christ (11.1).
This is how we are called to walk, so that none of our actions betray us to sin, and every action becomes a gesture of grace and truth to the people around us.
This is Personal Mission Field living. This is the ministering way of life for which we are being equipped (Eph. 4.11, 12).
We are the light of the world, and God can light up and shine through every moment of your day, every word out of your mouth, every gesture and every action you undertake with grace and truth and glory, so that you glow with the warmth of Jesus in all you do.
What a high calling each of us has, right where we are!
Psalm 90.16, 17 (Landas: “My Faith Has Found a Resting Place”)
Now let Your work to us appear, our children show Your might.
And let Your favor rest on us; show mercy in Your sight.
The work that You have given us, confirm and to us show,
That we Your chosen path may walk and in Your precepts go.
Thank You, Lord, for choosing to use me for Your glory!
The Ailbe Community
I want to thank you for being part of The Ailbe Community. Our prayer is that we can encourage you in your walk with the Lord and, in some small way, contribute to your living every action, whatever you do, for the glory of God. While we regard you as a Member of our Community – and pray for you and reach out to you as we can – your participation in The Ailbe Community must be defined by you. Reading Crosfigell and Voices Together is a good start. Visiting our website to learn about the ways our Celtic Christian forebears can shape and enrich our experience as Kingdom citizens would also help to immerse you more deeply in our vision. In our vision for our Community, two things stand out as crucial: a disciplined life of seeking Jesus, and a faithful life of following Him. Next month we’ll be offering an opportunity for you to enhance your daily life of following Jesus into the Personal Mission Field to which He sends you each day. We’ll be offering some resources and making a few changes in Crosfigell in order to help you engage more fully in the vision and ministry of The Fellowship of Ailbe. Pray for us as we finish up the details of this effort and introduce it to you in February.
T. M. Moore, Principal
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Every Action, Whatever You Do
God wants to shine Himself through you - today.
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T.M. Moore
T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
Books by T. M. Moore