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Expressing Love for God
God's Priority in Our Lives
 

The fourth command focuses on the principle that God has a right to our undivided attention - to times when we set aside the concerns and interests of daily activities, and focus exclusively on God and who he is. Under the Old Covenant, a specific day of the week (Saturday) was set aside for this purpose. Under the New Covenant, a specific day is not designated - though most non-Jewish Christians have traditionally chosen Sunday, in memory of Jesus' resurrection.

There are instances in which a person's schedule may be totally out of his control - especially in countries where Christians are imprisoned or enslaved for their faith. Yet a genuine follower of Jesus will still attempt to have times when he focuses his attention more directly on God, even if it is only short times scattered throughout the week.

A common misunderstanding is the idea that we are "free" to do as we please the rest of the week. Nothing could be further from the truth. The fourth commandment deals with the issue of setting aside time to focus our attention to God and his worth (and not on "daily life"). During the rest of the week, we still have an obligation to live in a way that expresses devotion to God, but it is within the context of "daily life." There is no day of the week in which we can choose to ignore God. Every activity we do - even eating and drinking - is to be done in a way that honors God. If it cannot be done in that manner, then it is not a legitimate activity any day of the week.


Glorifying God in All of Life

People tend to "compartmentalize" life into a "sacred" section (where God belongs) and a "secular" section (where God isn't really a factor). God, on the other hand, doesn't divide life this way. We are to do all things in a way that brings honor and glory to him - and if we don't, we are sinning against God.

The "Glory Manifesto"

A "manifesto" that provides 17 ways that we can actively choose to glorify God in all areas of life. The 17 statements cover a variety of actions and attitudes, and begin with phrases such as, "I will..." or "I want to..."

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - a Study Guide

This short study of the passage in Deuteronomy includes a few comments about certain aspects of the passage, as well as an extensive list of questions for application of the principles in one's life.

Loving God With Our Minds

This is an overview of the topic. The verses examined show us our obligation, how sin prevents us from fulfilling our obligation, and what we need to do about it. [Note that the Bible's definition of "love for God" involves the total person (see Mark 12:30), not just some nebulous undefined emotion.]

"I Hate English Class"

Perhaps there is some other class or activity that you "hate" (or strongly dislike). But for me it was English class. Yet I discovered that: 1) I could take English class in a way that would bring glory to God, and 2) God could use anything (even English class) to accomplish good in my life!

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The Bible says...

Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)