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| original photo by: Robert Aichinger edited by: Sunny Shell |
Most Christians, as well as those who've been around Christians are familiar with the phrase: "We do all things for God's glory alone."
I've often been asked: "Why does God want all the glory, isn't that kind of out of character for Him; to be so self-centered, so self-promoting?"
For many, this just doesn't make sense.
For many, this just doesn't make sense.
So why is it so important that only God receives all the glory and why does He command it to be done? Is God a megalomaniac? By all means, "No!" But most people are. True?
Most of us walk around thinking we deserve so much good, so much praise, so much...well, everything and anything that's favorable to us. The world's riddled with catch phrases like "You deserve a break today" (McDonald's), "Because you're worth it." (L'Oréal). And we all buy into it. We actually buy into it before we're even old enough to know what these companies stand for. As soon as a toddler can talk, he/she quickly vocalizes "Mine!", "Give me!", "I want!", "Now!" Unfortunately for some, this doesn't stop at toddler age...does it?
God alone is God. He alone is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. He alone is Creator, Giver of Life and Savior. God alone has been, is and will always be. God alone is righteous, holy and perfect. He alone is the Great I AM (YHWH). There is none like Him, nor any that is greater. And that is why He alone is worthy of all glory and praise.
“To whom will you liken Me and make Me equal, and compare Me, that we may be alike? Those who lavish gold from the purse, and weigh out silver in the scales, hire a goldsmith, and he makes it into a god; then they fall down and worship! They lift it to their shoulders, they carry it, they set it in its place, and it stands there; it cannot move from its place. If one cries to it, it does not answer or save him from his trouble. “Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose,’~Isaiah 46:5-10
Dictionary.com defines "glory" as: very great praise, honor, or distinction bestowed by common consent; renown; something that is a source of honor, fame, or admiration; adoring praise or worshipful thanksgiving; resplendent beauty or magnificence.
Now think about people you know who've received "glory". Picture just one of those people in your mind who have received great praise, honor, fame, admiration, and worship; someone who's been considered absolutely beautiful, talented, prosperous, etc.
With that person pictured in your mind, what do you see? Do you see God's love that is full of humility in service, grace in suffering, peace in trials, sacrifice in loss, compassion in weariness, and mercy in the eyes of hatred? Or do you see man's "love" filled with false humility and a dash of pride, service that is published and promoted, grace only towards those who are useful to them, peace only when everyone agrees with them, sacrifice only if it hits the news media, compassion only when refreshed by others, and mercy only if they deem the other person worthy?
The latter is what we see in this world. Though we'd all like to claim the former; especially for ourselves or for those we just happen to love or esteem in some way. With our fallible and gullible eyes and hearts, we often give glory to man, whether in the church or outside of it.
As human beings, we are created to worship and give glory to something or someone. This is an innate God-given desire of every person, whether they want to admit it or not. But sin came into the world and destroyed the beauty of man's unbroken, holy and intimate relationship with God. When worship of God was forever defiled by man's pride and futile efforts to become or create his own god; we perverted the gift of glorifying God and confused it with the contemptuous act of glorifying man.
When people receive glory, it's never handled well. I've sadly witnessed many well-meaning ministers of God's plummet to their own demise as they gorge their egos with the praise of man and believe their own press (Jn 2:24-25, Gal 1:10). They talk more about how many members they have in their congregation, how many "friends" they have on Facebook, how many "followers" they have throughout social media, how many books they've sold and radio programs their on. They also go so far as boasting of the number of saved souls under their teaching or ministry, as if anyone could really know if someone is truly converted or simply playing the part of Simon the Magician (Acts 8:21-23).
When man receives glory: he is like a black hole that collapses within itself, sucking the life out of himself and all those around him; luring all into the abyss of depraved thinking and living. When man receives glory, only he benefits...for a time. But his money, fame, and perceived power does not bring him peace, comfort or the love and approval of God (Ecc 2:10-11). What purpose did his glory serve? To build him up for a time? To collect false friends? To question everyone's motives? To be anxious for many things? To end life with nothing of any true value?
Man's glory is as God says, "vanity...chasing after the wind."
When God receives glory: it's greater than the sun that shines on the earth and gives life to everything in it. When God receives all adoration, worship, praise and exaltation, then the multitudes benefit! Rather than sucking the life out of everything in His path, God's glory produces life—eternal life to all, who by faith, trust in the name of Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10). When God alone is glorified, hearts are lifted, souls are renewed, lives are transformed and the great gift of fellowshiping in His Holy Spirit is shared among all the saints!
God's glory is life-giving and as God says, stores for us, "treasures in Heaven."
So live today and everyday to do all things for God's glory alone that you may be fully satisfied with His pleasure. Spread the Good News of Jesus Christ for the sake of His name and not your own!
"Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up....that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ...The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil."~Romans 15:2, 6, Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
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