How can we live acknowledging "one God, the Father" in our decisions? One Source, One Goal “yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” (1 Corinthians 8:6) What This Verse Settles • The Father is the ultimate origin (“from whom are all things”). • He is the ultimate purpose (“for whom we exist”). • Every decision, therefore, should begin with Him and aim at Him. • Jesus Christ is the means by which we know and obey the Father (“through whom are all things”). Practical Ways to Acknowledge the Father in Every Decision • Recognize His ownership: “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). We consult the Owner before acting with His property—time, abilities, resources. • Seek His will first: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart… in all your ways acknowledge Him” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Pause, pray, and invite His direction before commitments. • Filter motives by purpose: Ask, Does this move me toward “for whom we exist”? (Colossians 3:17). If it glorifies self more than Father, it needs reevaluation. • Submit to Christ’s lordship: Because every decision flows “through” Jesus, align choices with His words (John 14:6; Matthew 7:24-25). • Depend on the Spirit’s guidance: “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Yield moment-by-moment sensitivity. Supporting Scriptures That Reinforce the Pattern • Deuteronomy 6:4-5 – One God to love with all heart, soul, and strength. • Romans 12:1-2 – Present bodies as living sacrifices; discern His good, pleasing, perfect will. • James 1:5 – Ask for wisdom; He gives generously. • Acts 17:24-28 – In Him we live, move, and have our being, so decisions naturally orbit Him. Everyday Habits That Keep the Father Central – Begin the day with Scripture to recalibrate purpose. – Pray the pattern of Matthew 6:9-10: Father’s name honored, kingdom advanced, will done. – Practice gratitude; thanking Him for “all things” reminds who the Source is. – Review major and minor plans nightly: Where did I acknowledge—or ignore—Him? – Surround yourself with counsel that loves the Father’s glory (Proverbs 13:20). Common Roadblocks and How to Overcome Them • Self-reliance: Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6; recite when tempted to act independently. • Hurry: Schedule margin so decisions can be prayed over, not rushed. • Cultural pressure: Compare popular advice with Scripture; keep Acts 5:29 in view—“We must obey God rather than men.” • Doubt: Recall Hebrews 11:6—He rewards those who seek Him; faith fuels acknowledgment. The Outcome of Father-Focused Choices • Peace: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You” (Isaiah 26:3). • Clarity: His word is a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105). • Fruitfulness: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5), yet “through” Christ, purposeful results abound. • Testimony: Decisions that spotlight the Father draw others to glorify Him (Matthew 5:16). Keep the source and goal in view, and every crossroads becomes another opportunity to live out, “for us there is but one God, the Father.” |
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