Coram Deo

"Before The Face of GOD"








I first heard of Coram Deo in the amazing book edited by C.J. Mahaney:



Worldliness

Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.--1John 2:15

Coram Deo 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.

Living "coram Deo" has been best expressed perhaps by the Reformation tradition of the Church.

The Reformers recaptured and championed the great "solas" - sola scriptura (Scripture alone), sola fide (faith alone), sola gratia (grace alone), soli Christo (Christ alone) - soli Deo gloria! (to God alone be glory).

In this very relevant book Mahaney helps us align our lives with God in the areas where most usually try to ignore Him.

in my media - what are you watching?

in my music- what are you listening to?

in my Stuff- what are you idolizing?

in my clothes- what are you wearing?

1John 2:16 warns:

For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.

In a nutshell - take a look at what is before your eyes (and of coarse the eyes of your family). Would you be doing anything differently if you were sitting next to GOD? Coram Deo - in the face of God - He is always right there and we should never be ignorant of that fact!

The drift toward worldliness may be slow, starting with a dulling of the conscience until you are watching soap operas, listening to gossip radio or music, idolizing your precious time and money, and wearing inappropriate or showy clothing.

The Bible teaches us that the real "monster" is not the TV,the computer, or the mall;

he's US!

Our battle is with the FLESH.

Gal 5:17 Paul confirms this:

For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh;

for these are in opposition to one another,

so that you may not do the things that you please.

We are warned and need to pray for strength in these area - Daily.

The FEAR (reverent awe) of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7)

and is the best place to start. Living Coram Deo puts us in the right frame of mind - one of reverence.

The person who is unashedly aware that God is sitting right there, front and center, watching everything will properly fear the Lord.

I hope this has inspired you to read more on the subject. Meanwhile take inventory of your inventory.

Coram Deo (before God's face) we will find Grace.

Father, My eyes have coveted, my imagination has trespassed, my time has been squandered, all for useless conformity to this world. Thank you for your Grace that forgives and empowers me to change. Thank you for the Grace that leads me to desire and pursue obedience. Help me to live Coram Deo - in every aspect of my life.

All for Your Glory. Amen