The Latin phrase “coram Deo” literally means “before God” or “in the presence of God.” It conveys the biblical truth that as believers in Christ, we live every moment of our lives in the presence of God, under His authority, and accountable to Him.
Here are 9 key things the Bible teaches about living coram Deo:
1. God is omnipresent
A foundational truth behind coram Deo is that God is everywhere at all times. The Psalms declare, “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!” (Psalm 139:7-8). There is no place in creation where we can escape God’s presence.
2. God sees and knows everything
Not only is God everywhere, but He sees and knows everything we do. “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). We live every moment before the God who understands even our innermost thoughts and motives (Psalm 139:2).
3. God evaluates our deeds
The reality that God sees everything means He also evaluates everything we do. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Our actions do not escape God’s notice or judgment.
4. We are God’s servants
Believers belong to God as His servants and stewards. “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). We are called to do God’s will, not our own. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17).
5. We represent Christ
As Christians, we represent Jesus Christ in everything we do and share in His ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20). Our lives should reflect His gospel, character, and priorities. Paul told Timothy, “Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16).
6. God disciplines us as sons
God does not let His children’s sins and failures go unnoticed or unaddressed. “The Lord disciplines the one he loves” (Hebrews 12:6). His loving discipline is meant to produce Christlike holiness in us. “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11).
7. We will give an account to God
Not only does God discipline us in this life, but we will stand before Him one day and give an account for our lives. “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
8. God rewards faithfulness
God also promises to reward those who faithfully serve Him. Paul says of his labors, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Our motivation is serving Christ, but God graciously rewards our faithfulness.
9. We can draw near to God’s throne
Even though we are unworthy sinners, through Christ we can draw near to God’s throne with confidence and boldness (Hebrews 4:16). We have access to commune with the holy God, to find grace and help in time of need. The goal of coram Deo living is not just to avoid God’s judgment, but to delight in His presence.
In summary, to live coram Deo is to live every moment before the face of God, under His authority, dependent on His grace, following His Son, and accountable to Him. This biblical perspective impacts every area of life. Our work, worship, relationships, priorities, conduct, habits, conversations, and even thoughts are all to be lived out before the watching eyes of our Creator and Redeemer.
Coram Deo provides a God-centered foundation for all of life. It highlights God’s sovereignty, majesty, wisdom, and care. It reminds us of Christ’s lordship. It calls for integrity, holiness, faithfulness, and worship. The more we intentionally fix our eyes on the supremacy of living coram Deo, the more our lives will align with God’s purposes and bring glory to His name.
Living coram Deo shapes our identity. We see ourselves as servants of the Most High God, stewards entrusted with His gifts and callings. We are His representatives, His children, disciples of Jesus, and Kingdom ambassadors. We have a transcendent purpose – to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Coram Deo lifts us out of self-centered living and centers our identity and purpose on the supremacy of God and His glory.
Living in God’s presence impacts our character. We become more aware of our sin and dependence on grace. We are motivated to grow in holiness and Christlikeness. We cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. We are shaped by God’s Word as it exposes and cleanses us. We rest in the gospel, finding our place and sufficiency in Christ. Seeing life coram Deo highlights the ugliness of sin and the beauty of righteousness.
Coram Deo transforms our relationships with others. We see people as fellow image-bearers of God, sinners in need of grace. We forgive as we’ve been forgiven. We love as we’ve been loved. We serve others knowing we ultimately serve the Lord. Human worth and dignity is upheld when we see others coram Deo. Racism and partiality cannot survive, as we remember all people stand equal before the Creator.
Living in God’s presence builds endurance and hope. We know our labor is not in vain, the Lord sees and rewards. Present sufferings are light compared to the eternal weight of glory. We find strength to run the race knowing the One who sees each step cheers us on. We do not lose heart but are being renewed day by day. Coram Deo anchors our hope in the unshakeable Kingdom that cannot be destroyed.
Coram Deo guides our stewardship of God’s gifts. We see all we have as blessings from God to be used for His glory. We give generously and live simply. We manage time, abilities, finances, possessions, and opportunities with an eye to eternity. We make decisions seeking God’s Kingdom first. We leverage influence for the cause of Christ. Coram Deo liberates us from slavery to the vain and passing.
Living in God’s presence impacts our worship. We glory only in the Lord. Our worship flows from hearts amazed at grace. We respond to God’s surpassing worth with extravagant devotion. We live all of life as an act of praise to our great Redeemer. Coram Deo leads to passionate, God-centered, Christ-exalting worship that spills over into all of life.
Coram Deo humbles us. No longer can we think more highly of ourselves than we ought. We are sinners saved by grace, undeserving recipients of astounding mercy. All boasting is excluded except boasting in Christ. Pride crumbles as we behold the majesty of God and realize who we are before Him. Yet God’s love for us in Christ amazes and inspires heartfelt praise and service.
Seeing life coram Deo liberates from fear of man. We serve the Lord, not men. His opinion matters most. This frees us from people-pleasing and peer-pressure. We rest in God’s approval found in Christ. While we cannot control how people respond, we entrust ourselves to the faithful Judge and rest in His sovereignty.
Coram Deo transforms work and leisure. All of life – including our jobs and hobbies – is lived out under God’s gaze. We see work as worship, serving Christ through excellence and integrity. Leisure activities are received as gifts from God to enjoy. We pursue rest, recreation, and creativity with thanksgiving and moderation. Coram Deo infuses everyday life with sacred significance.
Living in God’s presence impacts our time management. Knowing the time is short, we seek to make the most of every opportunity. We redeem the time for that which has lasting, eternal value. Balancing work, rest, worship, ministry, and relationships takes on new importance as we see each day before the Lord. Coram Deo gives focus, urgency, and meaning to how we spend our hours.
Coram Deo transforms entertainment and media choices. What we allow our minds to dwell on matters greatly when we live all of life before God. Is it true? Noble? Admirable? Praiseworthy? We seek to fix our thoughts on these things (Philippians 4:8). Frivolous amusements and entertainments lose their grip as we aim to please just One Audience of One.
Coram Deo impacts the way we handle success and failure. God looks at the heart, not just outward appearances and results. This relieves unhealthy pressure to perform while reminding us God cares that we trust and obey Him. God’s pleasure is not bound to worldly measures of achievement. Instead we find our worth and reward in Christ alone, our sufficiency in Him.
Living in God’s presence shapes our habits, rhythms and routines. Tangible disciplines like Bible study, prayer, worship, fasting, service, and simplicity can all become natural outflows of seeing life coram Deo. We structurally and intentionally make space to attend to the Lord and what matters most in light of His eternal Kingdom.
Coram Deo guards our thought-life. Since God knows our every thought, we seek to take each one captive for Christ. We dwell on true, honorable, pure thoughts that please the Lord. When anxious, unimportant, vain and negative thoughts intrude, we refuse to let them have room and instead fix on God’s truth. Coram Deo impacts minds and imagination.
In marriage and family, coram Deo bears much fruit. Seeing our spouses and children as God’s beloved helps us love them with grace. Marriage mirrors the gospel, as two sinful beings cherish their covenant union. Raising children as rewards and gifts from God shapes our parenting. Home becomes a center for worship, hospitality, discipleship and nurture.
Coram Deo safeguards excellence and ethics at work. Knowing God sees, we avoid laziness and seek to work with all our heart as serving Him. Faithfulness in small things matters when we remember God notices. Diligence, honesty and truthfulness are upheld. Coram Deo encourages businesses to operate with Kingdom values.
Living in God’s presence guards our speech. Since every careless word will be judged (Matthew 12:36), we are careful not only to speak truthfully, but also helpfully, timely and graciously. Coram Deo encourages thoughtfulness and wisdom in communication. Our words aim to build others up and bring grace.
Coram Deo impacts leadership. Seeing ourselves as servants of God alone with a stewardship entrusted to us shapes how we lead. Pride, selfish-ambition and self-promotion fade. Leading by Christlike example, with humility, courage and compassion come to the fore. Coram Deo develops leaders focused on God’s glory and others’ good.
In hardship and persecution, coram Deo provides strength to not grow weary or lose heart. The Lord sees the affliction of His people. He will bring justice in due time. Present sufferings are momentary and light compared to eternal glory. We can rejoice to share in Christ’s sufferings, knowing God’s favor rests on us.
Coram Deo fuels missions and ministry. Since all people will stand before God’s judgment, we urgently proclaim Christ and make disciples. We leverage all we have for the Great Commission. We do not fear taking the gospel to hard places or difficult people, knowing we go empowered by the Spirit with God watching over.
Seeing life coram Deo fuels joy and freedom. The happiness of God’s people does not depend on circumstances but on the delight of His presence. The favor of God lifts our heads. Knowing it is His power in us that wills and works for His good pleasure liberates us from anxiety and legalism into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
Coram Deo moves us to live intentionally and strategically. Since we don’t know how many days we have left, we seek to make the most of our time. We approach each day with purpose and priorities set by God’s values and leading. Coram Deo provides purpose and intentionality to fight drifting and coasting.
Living every moment before God transforms the mundane. Small acts of obedience, simple service, household tasks, and personal discipleship all gain dignity and significance against the backdrop of God’s Kingdom. The humblest moments pulsate with meaning when offered to Christ in love to the glory of God. Nothing is wasted or insignificant.
Seeing life coram Deo strengthens gratefulness. Since we deserve nothing yet lack no good thing, gratitude and contentment swell. Each breath, meal, relationship and experience become gifts of grace to treasure. Eyes opened to God’s daily presence and provision lead to overflowing thanksgiving and worship.
Coram Deo provides wisdom for balancing tensions like grace and truth, courage and humility, discipline and delight, sacrifice and celebration, generosity and thrift, action and rest, freedom and self-control. God’s transcendent perspective guides us in maintaining biblical priorities and avoiding unhelpful extremes.
Living in God’s presence spurs us to invest in the next generation. As we realize how brief our stewardship is and how quickly we will stand before God, we are eager to see our children and grandchildren walking in the truth (3 John 1:4). We model and teach coram Deo living to those who will carry on after us.
Coram Deo reminds us of the brevity of life and nearness of eternity. Our days on earth swiftly pass. Christ’s return draws closer. Soon we will behold our God face to face. This life is but a vapor. Coram Deo anchors our perspective and loosens attachments to the temporal as we set minds on the eternal.
Seeing all of life coram Deo fuels worship and awe. The transcendent God is intimately acquainted with our ways. The sovereign Creator attends to the needs of His children. The holy Judge poured out His wrath on His Beloved. Grace and glory meet in Christ in the wonder of the cross. A God so grand and gracious deserves endless praise.
Coram Deo humbles us, orients us to Christ, transforms us into His image, motivates us to live for His purposes, and fills our lives with worship, meaning, freedom and hope. Truly our lives are ever lived coram Deo, before the face of God. We exult that His presence will one day be our endless joy as we dwell with Him forever.