Scripture
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.(Romans 11:36, ESV)
Thoughts
Paul is writing about the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge, that God’s ways are unsearchable, and that he is an amazing God. Paul then talks about how the mind of the Lord is uniquely independent of mankind. His knowledge is autonomous from all creation. Nobody is the Lord’s counselor. Then Paul proclaims, “for from him ... are all things.” Wow! All things? Yes! All wisdom, all knowledge is from God Almighty—plus an endless list of other things. And not only from him but also through him. He is the source of wisdom. He is the filter of wisdom. All wisdom leads back to him. He is to receive all the glory. He is to be lifted up. He is to be noticed.
It’s powerful to live from, through, and to God. Let your heart flow with love from God, love through God, and love to God. Let your forgiveness come from Jesus, through Jesus, and to Jesus. Pause and think about this—try to grasp it. Your salvation is from God, through Jesus Christ, and to him.
It is easy to think about what does NOT glorify God and more difficult to describe actions that glorify God. Here is an easy way. Make a list of all the things that do NOT glorify God, and then live out the opposite.
Cursing does not glorify God … Words of praise glorify God.
Put downs do not glorify God ... Words of encouragement glorify God.
Punching someone does not glorify God … A warm handshake glorifies God.
Gossip does not glorify God … Speaking highly of others glorifies God.
Laziness does not glorify God … Working hard glorifies God.
Application
If all things are from God, through God, and to God, then why do we so often feel that our relationship with him is from me, through me, and to me? God is the source, God is the power, and he deserves to receive the glory. Evaluate who receives praise. Is it you? To himbe the glory. Amen, so be it. Evaluate your words: are they filled with praise, with encouragement? Be the most encouraging person God has created you to be. Do not give up! God is giving you wisdom and knowledge. God is strengthening you.
Prayer
Lord, let my life be a life that flows from you, through you, and to you. Let my thoughts come from you, through you, and to you. Let my desires move from you, through you, and to you…. (Continue praying.)
