Psalm 115:1 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.
So how can we glorify God through eating. Here are 5 ways that I've realized can glorify God, even through the simple act of eating:
1. Give thanks to God for His provision.
God is the one who has given you this food. Give thanks to Him. He is Jehovah-jireh, the Lord provides. He gives us all the blessings and provisions we have. When things are going well for us, we tend to forget that it is God who has blessed us. We must remember God is the one who sends the rain on both the righteous and the wicked. (Matt. 5:45) He is the one who clothes and feeds us. (Matt. 6:25-34) He provides for us. (See Phil. 4:19 Psalm 34:10 Genesis 9:3 Psalm 84:11 Rom 8:32) Give thanks to God for the food He has blessed you with and trust in Him to provide.
2. Use good manners
Ephesians tells us " Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." And 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that love is not rude. It is clear throughout the Bible that, as Christians, God calls us to thanksgiving and love, not rude behavior. We must stand out and shine for Christ in the way that we act, which will be different than the world. This applies even to how we eat.
3. Don't be a glutton (or drunkard).
The Bible is clear that we should not be a glutton or a drunkard. (See Proverbs 23:1-3, Proverbs 23:19-21, Psalm 78:18, Proverbs 25:16, Luke 12:23, 1 Corinthians 6:12, Philippians 3:19) We must practice self-control and gratitude. We must not let worldly things consume and rule over us.
4. Don't deprive yourself.
1 Timothy 4 tells us that some abstain from marriage and food. But these are gifts God has given us. And when they are used correctly, in a God-honoring way, they are beautiful. We must not deprive ourselves from food, but use it in a God-honoring way, giving thanks to God. Of course, though, as I said above, we must not be a glutton and we must practice self-control and take care of our health.
5. Work diligently.
We must not be slothful and lazy, but diligent. God calls us to be hard working. And the Bible tells us that the laborer deserves his wages. Work is how people get paid and have money to buy food, and also how we grow food. So in your work, be diligent. Work hard so that you can be all the more thankful to God for the provision He has given you. Be the laborer that deserves his wages.
In conclusion, remember that God can use simple faithfulness to Him in your life to make a difference, bring glory to Him, and advance the gospel. So, in everything, even in eating, let your life bring glory to God!
1 Corinthians 10:31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
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