I’ve been thinking about a Latin term that many of us have heard of and perhaps have dwelled upon, and that term is Coram Deo. Coram Deo literally means…something that takes place in the presence of, or before the face of God. To live “Coram Deo” is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.
R.C. Sproul said in a Nov. 2017 article…” To live all of life Coram Deo is to live a life of integrity. It is a life of wholeness that finds its unity and coherency in the majesty of God”. He goes on to say..”Integrity is found where men and women live their lives in a pattern of consistency. It is a pattern that functions in the same basic way in church and out of church. It is a life that is open before God. It is a life in which all that is done is done as to the Lord. It is a life lived by principle, not expediency; by humility before God, not defiance. It is a life lived under the tutelage of conscience that is held captive by the Word of God”.
When I see the term Coram Deo I think of Rankin Wilbourne’s book Union With Christ in which he states “God’s purposes have never changed. His original intent is His final intent: that the people of God might dwell in the place of God, enjoying the presence of God– this is the arc of the whole biblical story, from Genesis to Revelation”.
It seems to me that living one’s life Coram Deo would mean trusting God completely in every area of our lives. David articulates this picture of total trust throughout the Psalms, here’s one beautiful passage from 25:1-5.
Forever I will lift up my soul into Your presence, Lord. Be there for me, God, for I keep trusting in You. Don’t allow my foes to gloat over me or the shame of defeat to overtake me. For how could anyone be disgraced when he has entwined his heart with You? For they will all be defeated and ashamed when they harm the innocent. Lord, direct me throughout my journey so I can experience Your plans for my life. Reveal the life paths that are pleasing to You. Escort me along the way; take me by the hand and teach me. For You are the God of my increasing salvation; I have wrapped my heart into Yours!
Perhaps reading/praying through the Psalms during our daily times with the Lord will shed new light on, and bring us to the reality of living our lives…Coram Deo!
– Chris Larson