I have a very good friend who answers any question about purpose in Christian life by saying that we must glorify God. I agree with him entirely, but I really don’t like the answer. This is not because I disagree with it, it’s because it doesn’t seem explicit enough to me. Really, it isn’t explicit at all!
What can we do to glorify God? It doesn’t seem to me that just saying it gets the job done. My friend naturally knows that as well…
It is easy to figure out what behaviors do not glorify God, and to put it in the most simple way, we do not glorify God when we behave badly. Truthfully, sometimes we don’t glorify God when we behave well either. Here are some things that always glorify Him. This is not intended as an exhaustive list, and it is in no particular order. I’m sure you can add some things to it…
We glorify God when we:
Praise His name
Give to His Kingdom sacrificially
Serve others in His name
Don’t worry about who gets credit for our service
Put the interests of others ahead of our own
Preach the Gospel to those who need to hear it
Work to make disciples
Love our neighbor as ourselves
Are merciful, gentle and kind
Deny self
Do what Jesus has commanded us to do
Pray without ceasing
Do all of the above without seeking anything in return
Again, I’m sure you can add to the list, but at least the concept is a little more clear!
Good article!
Sometimes it’s interesting to hear what the Holy Spirit will put in your heart to Glorify God, and I believe part of Glorifying Him comes with staying in close contact with Him, Always. Thanks for your post, Don; you made some excellent points to remind us of this most important thing . . .
Blessings and Peace in Christ, Novusanima
I believe everyday I hvae an opportunity to Glorify God, but free will gets in the way. I know today without reading your blog… I’d be free willing it all over the place. God bless.
Very nice.
Thank you for giving a more explicit description on how to glorify God!