The Pursuit of God · Chapter
X: The Sacrament of Living explained
This chapter challenges the common division of life into sacred and secular realms, arguing that all actions—whether eating, drinking, or working—can be done to the glory of God.
What happens
This chapter challenges the common division of life into sacred and secular realms, arguing that all actions—whether eating, drinking, or working—can be done to the glory of God. Through Christ's example and Paul's teachings, the author asserts that every act becomes worship when offered in faith, and that the sacred-secular antithesis is a misunderstanding that robs believers of peace. The chapter calls for a unified life where every moment is sacramental and the whole world is a sanctuary.
Themes in this chapter
Sacred-Secular Integration
The central theme of the chapter, arguing that all of life is sacred and every act can be an act of worship.
Critique of Shallow Religion
The author criticizes the sacred-secular antithesis as a misunderstanding that leads to spiritual bondage and a divided life.
Restoring the Creator-Creature Relation
Implied in the call to live every moment in God's presence and to see the whole world as a sanctuary.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Presented as the perfect example of a unified life, living without strain and always pleasing the Father.
- Paul
Quoted for his exhortation to do all to the glory of God, and his example of tent-making as an act of worship.
- Moses
Mentioned as the leader who brought Israel out of Egypt and through whom God taught holiness.
- Israel
Referenced as the people who dwelt in Egypt and learned the holiness of God through distinctions of holy and unholy.
Key passages
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
Every action, even the most mundane, should be done to honor God.
Paul's exhortation is the scriptural foundation for the chapter's argument.
“The sacred-secular antithesis has no foundation in the New Testament.”
The division between holy and ordinary activities is not supported by Scripture.
The author asserts that this dichotomy is a human invention, not a biblical truth.
“Let us practice the fine art of making every work a priestly ministration.”
We should learn to treat every task as a sacred service to God.
This encapsulates the chapter's call to integrate faith with daily life.