Glory to God

"Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31). Beyond being just a slogan for Christians to hang on walls or a mantra for them to chant before sporting events, these familiar words are foundational Christianity.

Ephesians opens with a repeated phrase of purpose regarding God's interaction with Christians: "To the praise of His glory" (Ephesians 1:12 & 14, variations in v. 6 and 3:21). In speaking of this intended goal, Paul includes the believers' choosing and adoption as sons, their redemption and inheritance, their sealing by the Spirit, and the functioning of the church. From beginning to end, Christians are to bring glory to God in everything.

Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). The good deeds and respectable lives of Christians should point to Someone far greater than themselves. Boasting of their own goodness, ability, and success gives glory to man and detracts glory from God. God knows man's tendency toward boasting, acknowledging that, if possible, man would boast even in the realm of salvation. "Not as a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8).

Beyond salvation, it is important for believers to decrease and for God to increase (John 3:30). This includes every area of Christian service. "Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving  by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified" (I Peter 4:11). In fact, God often chooses unlikely and seemingly incompetent people to do His work "so that no man may boast before God" (I Corinthians 1:29); the glory therefore goes to God instead of man.

Glorifying God should also be part of secular life. Those with talent in any area must direct glory toward God rather than boasting in themselves. Christians must constantly consider and magnify God in their employment. "Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters . . . as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart" (Ephesians 6:5-6).

There is logic in directing glory to God in these areas. Clearly, only God could have achieved salvation. Only God can help Christians live outstanding lives of good works. Only God can give talents and abilities. Anything Christians do on a daily basis should reflect glory to the God who enables them to do that activity effectively and with the right spirit.

The Bible also references glorifying God in a less expected context: trials. Paul understood this concept. When God chose not to remove Paul's thorn in the flesh, Paul rejoiced that his own resulting weakness highlighted God's power. Paul was perfectly content to allow God to receive glory by doing through Paul what Paul could not do. "Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me" (II Corinthians 12:9).

Paul's trials extended beyond the physical. In II Corinthians 4, Paul describes being "afflicted in every way," "perplexed," "persecuted," and "cast down" (vs. 8-9). As he considered his human frailty and inadequacy in this intense setting, Paul recognized several purposes. First, "that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves" (II Corinthians 4:7). If Paul was so weak and so beset by overwhelming circumstances, then God's power alone would be the explanation, and therefore God would receive glory.

Second, "that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh" (v. 11, variation in v. 10). In bearing trials and infirmities, Paul would look like (and remind people) of the Savior who had done the same. Paul provided a small illustration of Christ's suffering, and therefore his life pointed to and exalted Christ.

Third, "that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God" (v. 15). Paul's suffering was directly connected to his ministry for God. As he served others through suffering, the gospel spread, and many, many more people had reason to give glory to God the Savior.

Peter also understood this concept of glorifying God through suffering. "But if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name" (I Peter 4:16). Christians should not view suffering as a cause for shame, but rather as an opportunity to give glory to God when their lives draw the attention and focus of others.

Specifically, the unexpectedness of going through trials without despair provides Christians with opportunities to explain how that is possible. Any honest answer brings glory to God. "But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you" (I Peter 3:15).

While previous verses have dealt primarily with glory being given to God during this lifetime, there is also an aspect of glory that will be given to God in heaven. A believer whose faith endures through the trials of life provides proof of the reality of God and of the transforming work and stabilizing strength found only in Him. "So that the proof of your faith, being much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (I Peter 1:7). Truly God deserves glory through every aspect of life. Someday He will receive that glory, but He should also receive it now.

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen" (I Timothy 1:17).