Matters of Faith: Article: That God May Be Glorified.

“That God May Be Glorified!”

By Reverend J. Loren Russell

 

1 Peter 4: 7-11 (NKJV)

7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

 

‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬When the end of all things finally comes, what will be said of your service to humanity? The Apostle Peter says that more than anything else, we must be watchful and fervent in our love for one another. The way to do that, he says, begins by being serious and watchful in our prayers. 

 

I have learned in the years of my life that prayer is a tool that the Lord allows us to use to access His grace, utilize His power, and share His love. We are privileged to have been given this great resource for our own personal use and to share in the lives of others we encounter. We are not to take the honor lightly. We are to be serious and watchful in our prayers.

 

This scripture is a challenge for all of us to live godly lives, lives that glorify the Lord and reveals His concern for the well-being of everyone. We show the love of God when we passionately love one another. This type of love is known in Christian circles as agape love; a love that seeks the higher good of another person no matter what he or she does. Some theologians say it is the love of God operating in the human heart; loving people not because you like them but loving them because God loves them. Peter says love must be shown using whatever gift(s) the Lord has given so there is no mistaking the source, our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

Agape love is transformative. The recipient experiences a change that has eternal benefits. Whatever past transgressions or misdeeds, Peter affirms that agape love covers a multitude of sins. Before the end of all things finally comes, be sure to share love so that God may be glorified.

 

Be Blessed!

 

Rev. J. Loren Russell is an associate minister at Goodwill Baptist Church and is the spiritual leader of both LaGree Baptist Church and the Evangelical Church of God, all in the Bronx, President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial & Strategic Consulting (718-328-8096), and hosts “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” on Monday nights from 8:00 – 10:00 PM on Facebook Live. Order your copy of Matters of Faith: The eBook at www.smash words.com/books/view/993177.

Be sure to friend “Matters of Faith” on YouTube and email us at mattersoffaith.mof@gmail.com.