How can we ensure God's name is honored among non-believers around us? Setting the Scene Ezekiel 36:23: “I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations—the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD,” declares the Lord GOD, “when I show My holiness in you before their eyes.” God’s Heart Revealed • His reputation matters to Him. • He intends to display His holiness “in you before their eyes.” • Our daily conduct is the canvas on which He paints His glory. What It Means to “Sanctify” His Name • Treat His name as set apart, never common or trivial (Leviticus 22:31–32). • Reflect His character accurately—truth, purity, mercy, justice (Micah 6:8). • Show that He alone is Lord, not one option among many (Isaiah 45:5–6). Practical Ways to Honor His Name before Non-Believers 1. Walk in visible obedience • John 14:15—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” • Consistency between confession and conduct turns heads (Titus 2:7–8). 2. Radiate good works without self-promotion • Matthew 5:16—“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” • Serve needs quietly; let God receive the credit. 3. Speak with grace and truth • Colossians 4:5–6—“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders… Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt.” • Guard tone on social media, in the break room, at family gatherings. 4. Pursue holiness in private • 1 Peter 1:14–16—“Be holy in all your conduct.” • Hidden compromise eventually surfaces; hidden faithfulness also shines. 5. Practice repentance openly • Psalm 51 shows confession honors God’s justice and mercy. • Admitting failure and receiving forgiveness displays the gospel’s power. 6. Elevate His name in everyday conversation • Colossians 3:17—“Whatever you do… do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” • Attribute blessings to Him, acknowledge dependence on Him. 7. Cultivate visible unity with other believers • John 17:23—unity signals to the world that the Father sent the Son. • Resolve conflicts quickly; celebrate diverse gifts under one Lord. Living Proof: Biblical Examples • Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 6): integrity in hostile culture led a king to honor God. • Early church (Acts 2:46–47): joyful generosity caused outsiders to “favor” them. • Paul and Silas in prison (Acts 16): worship during suffering opened doors for salvation. Guardrails for Consistent Witness • Daily intake of Scripture fuels discernment (Psalm 1:2–3). • Fellowship provides accountability (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Vigilant prayer keeps motives pure (Philippians 4:6–7). • Reliance on the Spirit, not mere willpower (Galatians 5:16). When our lives line up with His revealed will, He fulfills the promise of Ezekiel 36:23: He shows His holiness through us, and the watching world is left without doubt that He is the LORD. |
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