The wisest man who ever lived (Solomon), wrote these words in Eccl. 12:9-11... "because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright-words of truth. The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd."

Well, I don't claim to be wise or scholarly, but God (for reasons know only to Him) has called me to be a preacher and a pastor/shepherd. Consequently, I am always pondering and seeking out well-chosen words that will sink God's truth deeply into heads and hearts like a skilled carpenter places well-driven nails into a treasured masterpiece.

After over 30 years of pondering and preaching God's precious Word, I have seen 3 principles come continually into view, much like "cream always rises to the top". They have appeared and reappeared so often, and are so basic to New Testament Christianity, and are so essential to Biblical discipleship, that I have called it the "3-G Principle". I am convinced that the purpose for everything we do could, should be boiled down to these 3 purposes/principles.

1. The GLORY of God-- Scripture says in I Cor. 10:31, "Therefore whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." That means that literally every routine or mundane thing that we do, should be done for the purpose of glorifying God. We should eat meals, drink beverages, clothe ourselves, groom our appearance, brush our teeth, clean our house, mow our lawn, do our jobs, etc., all in such a way that God will be magnified before His all-seeing eyes and an ever-watching world.


2. The GOOD of Others-- I Cor. 10:32 says, "Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the Church of God." God wants us to be "wise as serpents, and harmless as doves". ... "As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith," (Gal. 6:10). Literally everything we do ought to be for God's glory and the good of others. There is never any justification for being self-centered. We are to... "be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor, giving preference to one another," (Rom. 12:10).


3. The GOSPEL's Furtherance-- Our Scripture passage continues..."not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."(I Cor. 10:33). Again, everything we do should be motivated by these 3 desires/goals: the glory of God, the good of others and the gospel's furtherance and acceptance by lost sinners being saved. "I want you to know, brethern, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel", (Phil. 1:12).

Wow! What a high and holy standard! As we begin this new year, 2008, let us resolve to measure everything we do, say or think, by these 3 foundational principles. Let's routinely ask ourselves, "Does it Glorify God or man? Is it Good for others, or will it do them harm? Does it help or hinder the spread of the Gospel?" Will you prayerfully embrace this challenge? Let us as individuals, and as a local church body, purpose to live, think, walk and talk the "3-G Principle" of scripture in 2008. After all, this could be the year that Jesus comes!!

"All the Glory belongs to Jesus. All the praise belongs to Him.
All that I am, or ever hope to be,
All the Glory belongs to Him."

- Gloria Gaither