I often hear the encouraging words “glorify God” from my Christian friends.  I think this has become a popular phrase among Christians over the past several years.  This is wonderful, because it quickly focuses us on our main purpose in life (1 Corinthians 10:31).

But what exactly does it mean to glorify God?  Meditate on this for a moment before reading on.

Defining “Glory”

Defining “Glory” is the best place to start!  The greek word “glory” (δόξα – doxa) is rendered several ways in scripture:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The glory of God is shown in the face of Jesus Christ.  2 Corinthians 4:6 says, “For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Jesus defined and defines the glory of God in human flesh.  Bringing glory to God (John 12:27, John 17:1-4) was His primary purpose.

How Christians Bring Glory to God

Simply put, Christians glorify God by following after the pattern of Jesus:

– through obedience (John 12:49, Hebrews 5:8, Hebrews 10:7, Philippians 2:8)

– by reflecting His wondrous attributes and glorious nature:

  • His holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16, Revelation 4:8)
  • His graciousness (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)
  • His faithfulness (Deuteronomy 7:9)
  • His goodness (Psalm 34:8, Psalm 34:22)
  • His justness (Deuteronomy 32:4)
  • His mercy (Romans 9:15-16)
  • His love (1 John 4:7-8)
  • His creativity (Hebrews 1:10, Colossians 1:16)
  • His labour (Exodous 20:11)
  • His rest (Genesis 2:2, Matthew 12:8, Mark 2:28, Luke 6:5)

Isaiah 43:7 says that man was created by God for his glory.  Our whole existence and purpose is to reflect His glory through our character and by doing the work he has prepared for us to do.

 

Posted in God the Father, Trinity