Glory to God

Glory to God.  Despite this being at the the very center of the intended human experience, so few people either understand it or accept it at all.  But it is integral to our identity and our utmost purpose, recognizing that we were created in His image to bear His image.  In other words, God created us as testimonies, objects that praise His glory.  He did this not because He required praise–He had and has no need for anything.  Rather, He did this for our benefit.

In many circumstances and at several times in my own life, I can attest without overstatement that the most wonderful and fulfilling moments of my life were those in which I was glorifying God with my whole being.  Quite literally and as sincerely as I can convey in written word, I want to assure you that it was at these utterly fulfilling moments that God confirmed His Scriptures in regards to who we are and what God made humans to be and to do.

To the glory and honor of God; this should be and become our life's call as we seek to live a life of meaning and purpose that coheres with who we really are and are meant to be.

Remember this:  Glory to God!

1 Cor. 6:19-20–Glorify God in Your Body

1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Or do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.  So glorify God in your body."

When we give ourselves to Christ, a major part of the ordeal is that we are given renewed vision to see life as it is and to understand who we are in Him.  This means, among many things, that we began see that our bodies as a place of praise, a site for worship that we take with us wherever we may go.  In other words, our bodies are temples for God and we are commanded here in 1 Corinthians to remember this truth and to live lives that reflect this recognition.  Let us then always keep this truth before us as we strive to live glorifying God with every pore in our bodies!

Living Lives of Good Works to Glorify God

Matthew 5:16: "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."

This is such an interesting verse.  It compels the believer to an understanding of life as an exhibition.  This is to say that we are ordained, as Christians, to live life as a light that glorifies God.  

Essentially, what Jesus is telling us is to do good works not from the perspective of meritorious salvation but instead, we are to live lives of good works for the expressed purpose of pointing people to God.

Jesus is calling us to live a certain way (good works) with a specific attitude (to glorify God).  This is, it turns out, the essence of the Christian life: that every thing we do would, ultimately, being glory to God.  

Let us then take seriously this call to do good works, not to be glorified ourselves but that in doing good works we may glorify God!