In Whatever We Do..

"So that you may bear yourselves becomingly and be correct and honorable and command the respect of the outside world." 1 Thes 4:12 (AMP)

"[S]o that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders." 1 Thes 4:12 (NIV)

These are very powerful words. Live your daily life so that you many have the repect of everyone. In all you do, all the simple tasks, do you gain the repsect of the people around? Do you act honorable? Do you act in a way to command the respect of everyone? What would this look like though?I think that this is the biggest question. How can we do this? I think that this principle is completely related to what Paul says in Colossians:

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Col 3:17 (NIV)

In whatever it is we do, the smallest of tasks to the biggest, we need to do it in the name of Chrsit. I think it can easliy be said that "In whatever you do" is the exact same thing as "your daily life". The everyday tasks - whether mundane or exciting - are to be done to the glory of God. With this in mind every task, every word, every action, should be done with passion, effort, and enthusiasm so that you may be worshipping God in it but also gain the respect of all men around you. Today be aware of your attitudes as you live, are you living as to give glory to God or to yourself? Do you, with your attitudes, gain the respect of men? Think about it, mull it over, decide what you can do. Dont take my word for it either, go into the Bible, figure out if what I say is true. I hope today that as Christians we can live lives the command respect and give God all the glory.