How to Offer Yourself to God

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:31Suppose you spent 8 hours a day sleeping, 8 hours working, 3 hours eating, and 2 hours travelling to and from work. You would have 3 hours leftover. Now, if you gave 2 of those to your family, then you would have just 1 hour left!Many people think “offering yourself to God” means doing some ministry. That’s a great thing to do. But if that’s all “offering yourself to God” means, then you will only offer Him a very tiny part of your life.1 Corinthians 10:31 prompted John Piper to write an article called “How to Drink Orange Juice to the Glory of God.” Drink with thanksgiving. Then commit to using the strength of the next hours in ways that honour the Lord. If you are drinking the orange juice with others, let your conversation be an expression of love so that they’ll be edified.Or if you play football, your calling is to offer your football to God in the way you train, the way you play, and in the way you interact with others—your team (someone who’s not playing well), the other team (someone who fouls you), and the referee (when he or she makes a “bad” call).Jesus spent three years in public ministry, but before that He was a carpenter for about 20 years. He cared for His mother. He offered Himself to God, as much in His carpentry and in caring for His mother as in preaching the gospel and in performing the miracles.We are talking here about a pattern of faithfulness and obedience that honours the Lord in the ordinary routines of life. You can honour Jesus Christ in everything you do.Reflect on how you’re offering yourself to God.