Speak to God's Glory

1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
 
IF anyone speaks is likely Peter’s teaching to those who teach and preach in the church. It is the obligation of all teachers to learn and understand God’s Word, so they can correctly guide others to lean and live what God reveals through his inspired Word. All teaching should direct people to give praise and glory is to our Lord God.
   The Bible has many warnings against adding to or subtracting from God’s Word. And we learn teachers have a great responsibility before the Lord: James 3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. This is a sobering warning that should cause all who teach to pause and consider their reasons for teaching. “Is it my own desire or God’s desire?”
   How then, is it possible to please God with our teaching? That’s why teachers and preachers need to consistently work in God’s power. We cannot know God and teach God without the Spirit’s help. Jesus promised his disciples he would send us a Counselor to convict the world of his truth. (John 16:7) No Christian can live a true life in Jesus without the Spirit’s help. Teachers who seek truth and submit to the Spirit’s power will give glory to God.
   Perhaps, too, Peter is teaching each church member regarding their everyday speech. How do we speak the words of God in the church, at home and in our community? This does not mean we quote Scripture in all of our conversations. But we mold our speech around God’s Word. For example, you can speak encouragement into someone’s struggles. You can ask someone to pray for your needs. Or you can invite friends to praise God with you for his blessings. Perhaps you can speak the wisdom of Proverbs, or the price of the Psalms. Speaking God’s Word can be the way you listen to people. Be compassionate and kind, forgiving and patient. Speaking God’s Word is inviting someone to a Bible Study, to lunch or to your home for fellowship. Speaking God’s Word is sharing grace, peace, joy and gentleness in order to build love relationships with each other in the church.
   The same applies to serving in the church. Serving can refer to a number of gifts such as administration, finances, maintenance, music and others. Sometimes people volunteer for certain work, but they do not live into those commitments. We must understand that when we agree to serve in the church, we are agreeing to serve God. Can you tell God, “I’m too busy. I’ll do it later.”
   Whether you teach or serve with another gift, be true to God’s Word and your words. Focus your heart on God’s gift of salvation to you. And then use your gifts and talents to reveal the glory of Christ Jesus to one another and to the world you encounter.