Coram Deo

I am not wild about fancy Latin phrases. But I came across one while reading “Worldliness” edited by C.J. Mahney (GREAT BOOK!). In it one of the writers speaks of the reformation idea of “Coram Deo” which literally means "before the face of God". It carries the notion of our living in the presence of God, under the authority of God and to the honor and glory of God. It is what each person was designed for by their Creator. The reformers expressed living "coram Deo" by living life by (more Latin Phrases, sorry) sola scriptura (Scripture alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), soli Christo (Christ alone) - soli Deo gloria! (to God alone be glory). This is not a bad way to live your life and enjoy God.

You see it is important that we not only believe in God, but that we must all live before God. The former (only belief in God) without the latter (living life before the living God of Scripture) is irrelevant to our daily lives – it is religion without relationship. Even worse, only belief in God is empty of any meaning whatsoever. Simply consider how many people believe in God, and yet, this belief has absolutely no significance in shaping any aspect of their lives. The brother of Jesus, James, wrote in 2:18-20 “But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works. (19) You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe--and they shudder. (20) Foolish man! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?” So, you say believe in God, but if makes no difference in your life, if you are not living “Coram Deo,” my question is do you really believe? Because if you believe in a God who loves and desires a relationship with and it makes no difference in your life, you might not truly believe. You might just be in the same boat with Satan and the demons?

What kinds of differences having a relationship with God make in your life? How has God changed your life? Have you ever thought of God viewing you all day long, is your life putting a smile on His face or do you bring Him sadness?

Living Today Coram Deo, Pastor Phillip