The Sacred and the Secular
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
It was so offensive to me. In an introduction to a study of 1 John, the teacher pointed out that according to this letter either we belong to God or we belong to Satan.
I was a new Christian. I had a lot of friends and family who did not belong to God. It was hard to hear that they belonged to Satan. But, I couldn’t “unhear” it so I sat through the class. By the end, I was convinced.
Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. 1 John 3:9-10
Understanding that we belong to God or to the devil should have a huge effect on how we live. We cannot be Christians at church on Sunday, live as we please the rest of the week (or in every other location) and expect to have any influence for Christ on other people, especially those who do not belong to God.
God expects that we will be an influence for good on others. He very specifically gives instructions to parents to be diligent in teaching their children God’s Law (Deuteronomy6:6-8). But, we are no less responsible in other spheres of influence – business, schools, the marketplace, the community, with our neighbors, even on social media.
Every area of life should be sacred in that we have a responsibility to glorify God in how we live out our faith in each one.
The Bible addresses every area of life. We are quick to teach what God says about marriage, child rearing and sometimes money. He also addresses politics, our laws, education, government, integrity in the workplace, and anything else you can think of.
We cannot save anyone from being “of the devil.” Only God can change a heart (Ezekiel 36:26, John 14:6). We can, however, be used by Him and influence them by our words and our actions, showing them that God’s way is the better way. We can teach them that His Word is true, as are His mercies, grace, and love for His people.
Where are we sharing the good news that God has graciously given us? How are we trying to separating the sacred and the secular?
If we praise God on Sunday morning but do not glorify Him in our words, actions, and decisions the rest of the week, have we glorified Him at all?
Hopefully, we are living with our hearts and minds attuned to the Lord so that we notice the times he urges us to tell others about him. Unfortunately, if others are like me, I often miss the moment. I’m much better at giving the Gospel when I’ve been invited in for a speaking engagement, a bible study, or a class. I also write for this purpose, trusting God to get my words where he wants them to go as I tell others about him. I also share the words others write for this purpose. The times I know I am called to speak, I have no problem trusting him for the words and watching him use my words as he will. But I always deeply regret those times I miss, and they break my heart, wishing I’d been more attuned to the Holy Spirit.
Thank you Beth,
What a great reminder that we must always live for Christ throughout the whole week and not just on Sunday. We cannot put our light under a bushel and still be good witnesses.
I just had a conversation about this with my brother yesterday. We talked about how many of us live double-lives—behaving one way on Sunday and something completely different the rest of the week. But as you said, “Every area of life should be sacred in that we have a responsibility to glorify God in how we live out our faith in each one.” Thank you for the reminder!
Thanks for commenting, Wendy. Your response reminded me of the verse that says “from much has been given, much is expected.” I fear we are falling short of the expectations our God has of us. I pray you blessed as you serve Him in every sphere of life. Blessings, Beth
Melind, I know exactly what you mean. I say these same things. It is a lot easier to speak boldly to those we know want to hear the Gospel in its entirety. An invitation to speak is a wonderful thing, but like you, I don’t want to miss those opportunities the Lord offers in the rest of my life. Thanks for the comment.
Blessings,
Beth
Thanks for the encouragement, Luisa. You are welcome. I always appreciate knowing when the Lord uses something I have written for His Glory.
Blessings,
Beth
Thanks for sharing this, Beth. I especially appreciated it when you said, “Every area of life should be sacred in that we have a responsibility to glorify God in how we live out our faith in each one.” It’s so easy to try to compartmentalize different aspects of our lives, but that’s not really how it works! I appreciate your post.
Dear Beth!
That’s an interesting discussion that your teacher brought up.
My take on that is and has always been. Let’s leave it to God to decide who’s in and who’s out. I know that’s a controversial take on the topic, but that does not make me change my mind 🙂
With love!
Edna Davidsen
I enjoyed this reminder to make sure all areas of life are for his hlory.
Thanks Carly, His glory – our highest priority. Thanks for commenting, Bteh
Edna, I would agree, it is up to God to decide. I think my teacher’s point was only that there is no third option. God can and does save anyone He will (I am grateful that it is not up to me!). There may be times when we have to be discerning about who loves God and who does not (like when not to cast pearls before swine).
Blessings, Beth
Thanks Brainna, It is easy to compartmentalize! I appreciate your encouragement!
Blessings, Beth