Do all for the Glory of God
I recall a moving video titled "99 Balloons," recounting the story of a boy named Elliot Mooney, born with Trisomy 18, a condition often considered a terminal diagnosis. Extraordinarily, Elliot defied the odds, favoring this world with his presence for 99 precious days. When he eventually departed, his father penned heartfelt words that resonated with many. He wrote the following:
An underdeveloped lung, a heart with a hole in it, and DNA that places faulty information into (each and) every cell of your body could not stop God from revealing himself through a child who never uttered a word, not a pulpit, not a slick presentation, not a bestselling book. But a six lb. boy with Trisomy 18. God found great pleasure in taking a lowly thing in the eyes of the world and showing "truth."
Elliot glorified God in his obedience to be what God created him to be, and his parents saw that.
You can view the video at: "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th6Njr-qkq0"
To glorify God is a natural response to His nature and a fundamental purpose of human life. Glorifying God is about acknowledging His supreme worth and responding to His actions and character with reverence, gratitude, and obedience. It aligns believers with their faith's teachings and enhances their spiritual journey.
Here are several reasons why we should glorify God:
God’s Nature and Attributes: God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. His attributes of holiness, love, mercy, justice, and faithfulness inspire awe and reverence. Glorifying God is a response to His inherent greatness and perfection.
Creation: God is the Creator of the universe and all life within it. Recognizing His creative power and the beauty and complexity of His creation leads believers to worship and honor Him.
Sustenance and Provision: God is the provider of all needs, both physical and spiritual. Expressing gratitude for His sustenance and ongoing provision is a way of glorifying Him.
Salvation and Redemption: Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. Glorifying God for the gift of salvation and the promise of eternal life is a common practice among believers.
Purpose and Calling: By living in a way that reflects God's character and commandments, believers fulfill their purpose.
Worship and Praise: Acts of worship, including prayer, singing, and other forms of praise, are expressions of love and reverence towards God. These acts are seen as ways to honor Him and acknowledge His lordship.
Witness to Others: Glorifying God can serve as a testimony to others about His goodness and greatness. It can inspire and encourage others to seek a relationship with God.
Spiritual Growth: Regularly glorifying God can deepen one's spiritual life, fostering a closer relationship with Him and strengthening faith. Community and Fellowship: In many faith communities, glorifying God together enhances unity and shared purpose. It builds a sense of belonging and mutual encouragement among believers.
Why should God get all the glory? What else deserves all the glory?
Why should we glorify anything else but God? What else has earned the honor of being worshiped but an eternal, perfect God?
Should we worship humanity, principles and ideals, nature and the universe, human potential and virtue, cultural and ancestral reverence, art, and beauty? Should we worship love, truth, and justice?
While these elements can inspire deep reverence and admiration, it's important to recognize that they are all gifts from God and the character and embodiment of His nature and attributes. Therefore, worship should be reserved for God alone, as He is the ultimate source of all these wonders.
The Bible describes us as a branch to a vine—how does a branch glorify its vine?
Bearing Fruit: The primary way a branch glorifies its vine is by bearing fruit. In the metaphor, the fruit represents good works, virtues, and the positive impact of a believer's life. Just as a branch bearing abundant fruit demonstrates the health and vitality of the vine, believers who lead lives of love, kindness, and faithfulness show the strength and goodness of their connection to Jesus.
Abide: A branch must remain attached to the vine to stay alive and fruitful. This symbolizes the importance of maintaining a close and abiding relationship with Jesus. By staying connected through prayer, reading Scripture, and participating in communal worship, believers draw spiritual nourishment and strength from Him.
Reflecting the Vine’s Nature: A healthy branch reflects the quality and nature of the vine. Similarly, believers are called to reflect the character and teachings of Jesus in their lives. This means embodying Christ-like attributes such as compassion, humility, and righteousness.
Dependence on the Vine: A branch depends entirely on the vine for its sustenance. This dependence is a reminder for believers to rely on Jesus for spiritual growth and sustenance. Recognizing and embracing this dependence glorifies the vine by acknowledging its essential role.
Contributing to the Vine’s Purpose: The ultimate purpose of a vine is to produce fruit, and each branch plays a crucial role in this process. By fulfilling their role in God’s plan and contributing to the mission of spreading the Gospel and serving others, believers help fulfill the purpose of Jesus, the vine.
In summary, a branch glorifies its vine by staying connected, bearing fruit, reflecting the vine's nature, depending on the vine, and contributing to the vine’s purpose. These actions demonstrate the health and vitality of the relationship between the branch and the vine, ultimately bringing glory to the vine.
And this is how we glorify God.
Our flesh longs to be like Satan, self-dependant, but there is a war, a struggle because God is trying to shock our spirit back to life. God has left us reminders in all of creation to Him. Every time we long for love, truth, and meaning, it is longing to come back to life with God.
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. ~ Matthew 5:16
