Wednesday, September 14, 2005

God Hallows the Ordinary

On the false division between "natural" and "spiritual," "sacred" and "secular":

Abraham expressed his faith by packing his bags and moving. David administered a kingdom. Jesus pounded nails on a carpenter's bench. Paul made friends, sewed tents, planned journeys, and raised funds for the poor in Jerusalem. Through such ordinary deeds the kingdom of God advanced. What they did mattered less than why and for whom. In creation, in incarnation, in all acts on earth, God hallows the ordinary.

--Philip Yancey, Rumors of Another World

5 comments:

Jackie said...

:-) There ya go! Now you've got it! I knew it would come! It doesn't matter what we do, why we do it, or for whom it is done .. doesn't matter how big or how small it is ... it only matters that it is done and bring glory to God! :-)

Amy said...

I'd modify your comments just a bit, Jackie: it DOES matter why we do it, or for whom it is done...for only when we're doing whatever we're doing with God in mind, will it truly bring glory to Him. I think I know what you mean...but to clarify: we have to look beyond surface answers to the "why" and "for whom" questions, and answer them with "because this is what God calls me to do," and "I'm ultimately doing it for Him and His glory." :)

Jackie said...

Okay my bad, it DOES matter why we do it, or for whom it is done! :-) You are right it is all done to bring glory to God. .... Did I mention I was STILL ASLEEP! sheesh give me a break!

Amy said...

understood--I'm no morning person, either :) though I'm learning to be one since I'm now used to getting my day started at 5:45! yuck!

Jackie said...

Yeah, 7:30 is too early for me ... I can't imagine 5:45! Your crazy girl! BUT for the CPC walk-a-thon, I have to be up about that early.... ugh!