Therefore, 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 life of faith: 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.  

The one addresses our ongoing struggle against sin, while the other points to the enormous possibilities for serving Christ which are presented to us every day.

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, all we possess, 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). As the life of Christ grows in us, the life of Christ comes forth through us so that the truth and love of Christ spill out into our everyday relationships, roles, and responsibilities.

Every action, every situation, every detail, no exceptions.

Second, (1 Cor. 10.32), 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. Daily meditation in God’s Law, coupled with prayer without ceasing is the best fortification against sin.

Third, to the best of your ability, try to please and edify others, to meet their needs, affirm their persons, encourage and uplift them (1 Cor. 10.33), 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 already have the salvation of Christ, and should be encouraged in it, or are susceptible to being saved, and need to be led toward Him (1 Cor. 10.33). 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, and invest-everything example of Paul and Christ (1 Cor. 11.1).

This is the life of faith. 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 day by day (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!

On the front lines
If you’d like more elaboration on the subject of today’s Crosfigell, I encourage you to order a copy of my book, Christians on the Front Lines of the Culture Wars (click here). Every day we confront situations that threaten to sink us into sin at the same time they hold out the promise of shining the light of Christ to the world. Our challenge is to resist the one and pursue the other. Christians on the Front Lines offers practical guidance in how to practice your faith and glorify God at all times, in every situation.

Thank you for sharing with us at The Fellowship of Ailbe. We rejoice in the Lord because of your prayers and gifts. You can donate to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the donate button here or at the website. Or send your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Dr., Essex Junction, VT 05452.

T. M. Moore, Principal
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All Psalms for singing from The Ailbe Psalter. Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.