In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

It was so offensive to me. In an introduction to a study of 1 John, the teacher pointed out that according to this letter either we belong to God or we belong to Satan.

I was a new Christian. I had a lot of friends and family who did not belong to God. It was hard to hear that they belonged to Satan.  But, I couldn’t “unhear” it so I sat through the class. By the end, I was convinced.

Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. 1 John 3:9-10

Understanding that we belong to God or to the devil should have a huge effect on how we live. We cannot be Christians at church on Sunday, live as we please the rest of the week (or in every other location) and expect to have any influence for Christ on other people, especially those who do not belong to God.

God expects that we will be an influence for good on others. He very specifically gives instructions to parents to be diligent in teaching their children God’s Law (Deuteronomy6:6-8). But, we are no less responsible in other spheres of influence – business, schools, the marketplace, the community, with our neighbors, even on social media.

Every area of life should be sacred in that we have a responsibility to glorify God in how we live out our faith in each one.

The Bible addresses every area of life. We are quick to teach what God says about marriage, child rearing and sometimes money. He also addresses politics, our laws, education, government, integrity in the workplace, and anything else you can think of.

We cannot save anyone from being “of the devil.” Only God can change a heart (Ezekiel 36:26, John 14:6). We can, however, be used by Him and influence them by our words and our actions, showing them that God’s way is the better way. We can teach them that His Word is true, as are His mercies, grace, and love for His people.

Where are we sharing the good news that God has graciously given us? How are we trying to separating the sacred and the secular?

If we praise God on Sunday morning but do not glorify Him in our words, actions, and decisions the rest of the week, have we glorified Him at all?