In today’s study, we read: “Another reason why God insists on us bringing to Him all the honour and glory is this – the more we do this, the more we complete ourselves. … In failing to honour God, I do not just deprive Him, I also deprive myself.”
As I indicated yesterday, the more we understand the nature of God – the more we naturally ascribe to Him the honour and glory, which is His. Those who are slaves to their sinful nature, those who go about saying that there is no God, are blind and deaf.
They cannot see His awesome majesty. They cannot hear the voices in heaven say: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty (Rev. 4:8).’ They cannot have a relationship with the one all-powerful Creator, who can save them from death.
I like the following verses from 1 Peter 1:13-23 and 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV): “ … with minds that are alert and fully sober (awake), set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as Jesus who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
Jesus was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
… you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
In summary, if you are not willing to fall on your knees in front of our living, all-powerful God then you are living in darkness – call out to Him so that He can lead you into life!