“To the glory of God”
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (NIV, 1 Cor. 10:31) These are Paul’s words to the first century disciples and Christians. Think about it: whatever you do! Even your chores around the house….even your studies….even your response to an IRS letter….even when you cast your vote? Yes! Is your intent to further His Kingdom and give Him the glory?
Earlier, this what Jesus said: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” NIV, Matthew 5:16 This is revelatory. My good, thorough and honest work—-or the help I offer to a stranger—gives glory to my Father! But what about the opposite? What about the Christian that lies, steals, does his/her work sloppily? It dishonors God! It might call into question not only our testimony, but could cause some to conclude that our God is a good that does not care. It dishonors God.
And my fear of socialism has to do with this, to a degree. Socialism seems to be the attempt to equally spread around mediocrity. There are sins involved with the greed and selfishness associated capitalism, but it’s still the best means of challenging men and women towards excellence and a self sustained existence. Is what you did this past week giving glory to God?
And then in the Old Testament David said, “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name; And deliver us and forgive our sins for Your name’s sake.” NIV, Psalm 79:9. Even His mercy in my life should give Him the glory. He blesses me, forgives me, shields me from what I deserve! But to what end? Because He loves me, yes, but so that I can turn around and give Him the glory by how I testify to how good our God is!
We were created to glorify God—-period. We were redeemed for that continued purpose-to bring honor and glory to His name. Do we? Is my life focused and structured to bring glory to Him? What about your life? What games are we playing games with God and others? What’s the truth within your soul about who you really hopes gets the glory?”
So what is “the glory of God”? The glory of God is the invisible qualities of God made visible. The glory of God in bodily, or human form, is Jesus Christ. The glory of God after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus can only be in you and me! We are now the bodily form of the glory of God—-if we let Him have His way. We illustrate His light within us, and bring glory to Him when we become the living embodiment of the beatitudes.
We were imagined in the mind of God and created in the image of God—“imago dei”. That’s what we’re supposed to become. And we’re told that “all things are possible….” And it’s true, but while ‘all things are possible with God, all things are not easy. We are supposed to be reflections of His glory—but most of us give up after our first attempt or two. “That image can be restored, but the task encompasses our whole existence. The aim and objective is not to renew human thoughts about God so that they are correct, or that we would subject our individual deeds to the word of God again, but that we, with our whole existence and as living creatures, are the image of God. Body, soul, and spirit, that is, the form of being human in its totality, is to bear the image of God on earth. God is well pleased with nothing less than God’s own perfect image with us.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer”).
This why Christ came and denied. Not to make us happy or successful or so that we might become powerful! In fact, part of that process of having the image restored will include times of sadness, brokenness, apparent failure and utter weakness! But have thine own way Lord! Squeeze us and conform us back into that image that was shattered so long ago.
So think about this past week—the good, the bad and the ugly things that happened. The work you did, the studies you performed, the tasks you completed—-and even the fun things you did in the your spare time. We’re told, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” NIV, Colossians 3:23-24. Isn’t that a great motto to live by? Wouldn’t our families be happier if everyone did this? Imagine a town or village where all folks lived by that norm?
And not only our work, but our very bodies! “For you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:20. We glorify God when we live in ways that makes another person pause and wonder about how different we respond, react, perform and approach things—because it is so selfless, detailed and attentive—-we are to act like “aliens”, in a sense! And this is especially made obvious when we reflect His glory when we do menial tasks without complaining, like changing a flat tire, or not attacking back when are slandered, or cheated or offended. In fact, when bad things come our way, or we seem covered in darkness, the glory of God should be more clearly seen! God is like the sun; you cannot look at it, but without it you cannot look at anything else. That’s how we’re supposed to reflect Him! David said, “And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15
For the Christian, it’s really a matter of who we are. We are His children….the sheep of His pastures. We were purchased from our sins and rescued from eternal damnation by the blood of Jesus, Paul boldly exclaimed to those who were not taking proper care of themselves, “…. do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,” 1 Corinthians 6:19
We’ve been left behind to give glory to God. Not to pursue selfish or ambitious goals that give glory to us. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10
But it’s difficult, isn’t it, to shine for Jesus, or give God the glory when those around do not….when the majority of those who claim to be Christians, are gloomy and not a very “bright light” for God. A lot us simply don’t make the effort to live and work for the glory of God—-we’re trying to make ends meet, or find a way to feel good about ourselves. So we chase work, or the perfect spouse, or the ideal friend, or the perfect body, or a superior education, or even creating an organization that helps people and spreads God’s love. But we will fail to be at peace, or have the full joy He wants us to enjoy, until our goal is to give Him the glory—no matter what our education, vocation, family or association.
I know of a more than a few in my profession of sharing the gospel, that are not much of a joy to be around, because many are angry and their focus is to attack evil—-and theres’s a lot of it out there—-or put a stop to sexual perversion, or end human trafficking, or change many of the crazy laws and rules of our nations. But hate and disgust won’t win the battle or turn us into the soldiers we should be. “ The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." (Gilbert K. Chesterton). Is God behind you….is your love first for Him…..are you determined to glorify the Father and bless the Son? If it is, the enemy will be overcome and all those things that God hates will be undone, but not because of our hate towards men, but our love for God.
Do you want to be a youth, child or adult whose very life gives glory to God? Well, you have to submit and surrender to His Son. That’s essential. Allow Him to do what He must to make you into that new creature. “I would rather be what God chose to make me, rather than the most glorious creature that I could think of.” (George MacDonald ). Before you or I were born, God had a thought for what He wanted us to be…to allow Him to make you into what He intended and you will find that have become the dearest, grandest and most precious thing anyone could ever imagine!
What will happen if we shine for Him? Others will be drawn to Him. Our love, confidence and trust brings honor to Him—and infects others! Great people are not the people that do great things. A really great person is the person who makes every person feel great. (Gilbert K. Chesterton). If we give all the glory to God—-and don’t look for it for ourselves—He will shine though us and His peace can be introduced to others. Not the peace of wealth or some sort of bullet-proof protection from attack or harm, but a peace that surpasses man’s understanding.
It happens when we die to self and live for Christ. “If we do not die to ourselves, we cannot live to God, and he that does not live to God, is dead.” (George MacDonald)
Are you a living testament to the glory of God——or something less?
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