Does EVERYTHING have to be about God?

"Does EVERYTHING have to be about God?" she spat out, lip curled in disgust. Shocked at the  emotion that launched her question, I struggled to formulate an answer. 

"Yes," I choked out as quick tears sprang to my eyes, "It's who I am. . . "

Luke explained it this way in Acts 17:29: "For in him we live and move and have our being."
 

My neighbors are sold out University of South Carolina Gamecock football fans. They absolutely love the team. 

They wear clothing that reflects their loyalty, plan their weekends around home games, and rise in the wee hours of the morning to attend away games, where they sit with other fans and cheer loudly every time the team scores. They volunteer for the booster club, donate to the scholarship fund, and sport vanity plates on their cars identifying themselves as fans.

Whenever we speak, the conversation eventually turns either to the upcoming game or the previous one. They've memorized their favorite players' stats and know the home state and college affiliation of each of them. They wouldn't be caught dead wearing orange for fear someone would think they were Clemson tiger fans. There's no doubt about it. They LOVE the Gamecocks.

For me, Christianity is a lot like football. On a much grander scale.

I love God. My clothing choices reflect my desire to honor him. I plan my activities around a commitment to Sunday worship, and I've traveled to a foreign country to join other believers to support God's kingdom. I volunteer to teach Sunday School, give a portion of my income to missions and the church, and sport a car magnet that says PRAY. 

Whenever I speak, conversation eventually turns to what God is doing in the world around me. I've memorized portions of his Word have a reasonable grasp of history as it relates to the church.  I try not to do anything that dishonors my Savior. I hope it's obvious to those around me that I love God.

My Gamecock-loving neighbors aren't trying to earn their team's love, but their love for the team determines their actions. As a believer, I'm not trying to earn (or keep) God's love, but my love for him charts the course of my life--where I spend my time, how I invest my money, and what I talk about. "If you love me," Christ says, "keep my commandments" (John 14:15).

When  you squeeze a toothpaste tube, what comes out is what's inside. When you squeeze a Christian, what comes out should be what's inside--Jesus.
 

Pastor/Teacher John Piper writes, "God is ever-present and gives all things their most important meaning. He is the creator, sustainer, and governor of all things. We must keep in our minds the truth that all things exist to reveal something of God's infinite perfections. The full meaning of everything, from shoestrings to space shuttles, is the way they relate to God."

Does everything have to be about God?

Yes.


I invite you to join in the conversation. Have you ever been criticized for having too much God in your life? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

 If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy "Soap-flavored Crackers and Banana-flavored Chips."


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