When Jesus invites us to carry our cross every day and follow Him (Matthew 16:24), I initially envisioned that cross as something grander. However, through my own experiences, I’ve come to realize that life’s greatest challenges often arise from the accumulation of small tasks that form that cross. Declining your friends’ or employers’ frequent requests to turn a blind eye to sin one way or another may seem easy compared to putting a toddler to sleep. Giving your tithe may be simpler than making a late-night grocery run because your wife forgot to include an item on the list, again. Preparing for this week’s sermon might be a breeze compared to leading the family devotion tonight.

It’s not solely in what we typically consider “spiritual” matters, but in our daily routines, that our faith is truly tested. Our shortcomings frequently manifest in the ordinary aspects of life, yet it is precisely there that our hearts are most challenged to demonstrate love for God.

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 

1 Corinthians 10:31

Our purpose is to bring glory to God, not only through preaching or debating, but also through the simplest aspects of life, such as eating or drinking. While preaching and debating undoubtedly glorify God, this verse aims to emphasize a deeper level of understanding. It calls us to glorify God in the ordinary moments.

Being esteemed as a virtuous individual among your peers may earn you recognition, but if you lack patience and diligence in comforting a fussy baby, regardless of your fatigue, that recognition holds little significance. If you are generous to the world with your finances but fail to be generous with your time towards your spouse, your generosity falls short. In truth, you cannot be considered a truly generous soul. We are never too exhausted or uninterested to share the Gospel with a stranger we may never meet again, yet we struggle to remain attentive and bless our own families with the message of hope.

This continues to be an ongoing challenge in my own life. However, it brings me immense joy to recognize that God is not unaware of our weaknesses, and He never allowed them to deter Him from sacrificing Himself on the cross for our sake. Yet, may our hearts remain vibrant and our minds alert to the profound call to faithfully bear our daily cross.