First Corinthians 10:31 says, "therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for God's glory." I'm eating an ice cream sandwich as I type this. It is such a small, meaningless activity; yet according to this verse it is meant to be done for God's glory. My entire attitude could shift in this moment from being tired and unfocused to being grateful and joyful, if I will take a second to use this ice cream sandwich for God's glory by thanking Him for it and using it as an example!
That's one small, almost silly thing to apply this verse to. What I want to talk to you about is the bigger more impactful things. As Ephesians 6:12 says, our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers. Against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. While that is true, Romans 8:28 is also true. It claims, "we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." There you have the battle.
Every little moment of our life is claimed both by Satan and Christ. Of course we know who will win in the end, even Satan knows that. Each day though? That is up to us. There is a very real battle being waged between Satan's deceit and God's glory in your life at this moment. When you get a flat tire; for example, Satan jumps in preparing you to be angry and lash out at the mechanic who arrives just a little too late. While God is preparing you to share the gospel with this man. You can't very well do both. You get in your car and Satan gets you pumped up to listen to music that insults God's creation, while God is eagerly awaiting to spend time with you through worship.
Every moment of every day, you and I have a huge choice to make. We can use the things like the good, bad and neutral that happen in our lives to seek God. The things that bring glory to Him or to practice falling into temptation. You, my friend are the swing vote.
God gives us free will but He also gives us a way out of every temptation. First Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." That is a pretty huge encouragement! When we are faced with the decision to choose to glorify God or fall into temptation, we do not have to make it on our own. He has placed Christians around us who have faced common temptations. He is faithful! He provides a way out if you choose in that instant to look for it.
No matter what you decide, about ten seconds later you will get to make the choice again. The world will not stop when you choose to fall into temptation. God will let you try again. However, Satan doesn't disappear when you choose God, he tries harder. So let's put our armor on and go to battle.
