Honor God’s Name

“If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord” (Romans 14:8).  The ambition of a sincere Christian will increasingly be to advance the name of God.  This goal will become more central to our very existence as our knowledge of God grows.  The chief design of the apostle Paul, whether he lived or died, was always to exalt Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:20).  He never let this noble purpose get out of focus.  A godly person will  think it hardly worth while to live if God is not honored thereby.  Thomas Watson spoke eloquently on this theme, “Consider how his name is dishonored in the world.  It will be a great comfort to us when we come to die if we have hallowed God’s name in our life.  At the hour of death, all your earthly comforts will vanish, and thinking of riches or pleasures you have enjoyed will not give you one ounce of comfort.  Ah, but to have a conscience witnessing that you have hallowed God’s name, what a sweet peace and satisfaction this will give!  How sweet will death be when they who have spent their lives honouring God, shall receive their reward!  If we bring honour to his name, he will honour us.  He will esteem us as the cream and flower of creation.”