Life is challenging. If there is one thing all humans can agree upon, it’s this statement. We have good and bad days, but as we strive to have an overall life we are content with that measures up to the glory God deserves - areas become difficult.

It is a struggle to glorify God in every single moment of each day, you are not alone. With the ebbs and flows of our ever-changing emotions based on what happens throughout our day, we often focus too little on God.

How can we, as daughters of the Most High, create a life that points back to Him in our everyday? Join us this quarter as we dive into the theme, “Magnify.”

Magnifying God wholly starts with a shift in yourself:

1) Your Thoughts Matter

What you meditate on will be what you put out into the world. If God is not at the forefront of your mind as you go throughout your day, what is taking that space? How can you expect to glorify God with your entire life as you continue to replace Him with less than wholesome ideas? Whether you are thinking of ways to skip out of work, how to get back at that person who irks you, how to carry out an in-the-moment case of road-rage, or what you wish you could say to someone you disagree with - these thoughts matter to God. Turning your mind to Him in these moments, though sometimes difficult, has to be intentional. Putting God first is always the best way to not only brighten your day and mood but has the potential of changing those around you too.

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8, New International Version)

2) Being a Representative

What, in your characteristics, points people to God? This can be a hard pill to swallow because, for some of us, we may not know the answer yet. If we can’t see God in our own actions and personality, can we expect others to upon first impressions? Certainly not. Make it a point to figure out how you can best be a representative of God - kindness, generosity, knowledgeable, forgiveness, prayerful, empathetic, host - there are a variety of ways to be who God asks us to be. We don’t need to be all things to all people, but after praying and seeking earnestly about how to best reach others with who you are already created to be, you may find that God has placed a specific trait in you that magnifies Him. Honing in on that trait and truly living into it can help you to become confident in who God has called you to be, while truly being a representative of Him to those around you.

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3, NIV)

3) Responsibility to Others

We, as Christians, are called to put ourselves aside to be stewards to those around us. This is not a new way of glorifying God by any means, but how many of us can actually say that we are selfless when it comes to our time, care, and attention? In a culture where we rely on just “me, myself and I,” it can be hard to go against the grain to actually be mindful of others first. We can learn from Jesus directly on this one - the man who always put others before himself, even to the point of dying on the cross for us. How much more so do you think He would smile upon us if we showed that same kind of selflessness toward others, always willing to put them first. This can be as simple as setting your phone down to have a meaningful conversation, smiling at someone that seems to be having a bad day or helping your husband after a long day of work by taking the trash out and having dinner ready when he walks through the door. The little things add up and the big things are just an outpouring of our God love for His people. Glorifying Him through taking responsibility for the welfare of those around us is a huge step toward creating a life that points back to Him.

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV)

4) Sense of Growth

We can magnify God by being open to growth. While growth often is associated with change, I would like you to think of growth in the way of learning. Dive into your Bible, be in prayer as often as you breathe, meditate on His ways - these things will not only help you to grow but to learn about God in a whole new way. Abiding in Him is the number one way to glorify Him. He wants us to seek to magnify Him in all areas of our lives - the only way to do that is to know Him.

“Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11, NIV)

Though we may want to leave Him out of the intricacies of our lives, that is where He wishes to dwell. Allowing God into our lives fully means surrendering those parts of ourselves we either would like to keep to ourselves, hide from others, or wish to control ourselves. Though difficult, inviting Him in is the best decision one can make to ensuring a life that magnifies Him entirely.