A Life in Four Words

So glad you can join me for today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. A reading titled A Life in Four Words was written by John Blaise. James N. L. Packer, better known as J. I. Packer, died in 2020, just five days shy of his 94th birthday. A scholar and a writer, his best-known book, Knowing God, has sold more than 1.5 million copies since its publication. Packer championed biblical authority and disciple-making and urged believers in Christ everywhere to take living for Jesus seriously. He was asked late in his life for his final words to the church. Packer had one line, just four words, Glorify Christ every way. Those words reflect the life of the Apostle Paul who, after his dramatic conversion, faithfully set about to do the work before him and trusted God with the results.

Paul's words, found in the book of Romans, are some of the most theologically packed in the entire New Testament. And Packer sums up in close company with what the Apostle wrote, Glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul's life is an example for us. We can glorify God in many ways, but one is by living the life set before us and leaving the results in God's unchanging hands.

Whether writing books or taking missionary journeys or teaching elementary school or caring for an aging parent, the same goal holds. Glorify Christ every way. As we pray and read scripture, God helps us live with devoted obedience and keep our daily lives on track to honor Jesus in everything we say and do. The scripture reading for today's devotional is from Romans chapter 15 verses 1 through 6. We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.

Each of us should please our neighbors for their good to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice, you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Would you pray with me? Heavenly Father, we love You and want to glorify You in every aspect of our lives. As we pray and immerse ourselves in Your Word, grant us the guidance and strength to live in obedience to You. Help us to align our daily actions with Your will, that our lives may serve as a testament to Your presence in our lives. Thank You, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. I'm Stephen Tabor, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.