What Does It Mean to “Give God Glory”?
First of all, let’s address the “churchy” phrase of “giving God the glory.”
I had heard that phrase in church growing up, but it never really clicked as to what exactly that meant. It sort of seemed like a, “Yeah, yeah, I know… Don’t mess up… Be a good person… Give God credit for stuff… Got it.”
But let’s start by recognizing that, first of all, none of us are “good people,” & second of all, glorifying God is less about us & more about Him.
To give God the glory simply means to put His love, goodness, power, grace, etc. on display… & to make Him famous/known.
We Were Made to Give God Glory
At first, this seemed arrogant to me, I mean really, make a bunch of humans & a whole world for them to worship you on. But that was Satan’s way of twisting the truth.
The Truth is that God knew we would reject Him in one way or another & live OUR way. He knew we would not be able to correct the mess we make as a result.
BUT, He also knew His love could cover us & so set in motion a plan to redeem us from before we were ever even made–Jesus was His plan all along.
We are MEANT to glorify God, not to satisfy His ego, but to display His love, forgiveness, & GRACE to mankind.
A HOPE-Filled Solution for a Sin-Torn World
THAT is why we are to live to give Him glory—to spend our whole lives & purpose striving to put His grace on display, filled with His patience, grace, love, tenderness, & His POWER to SAVE.
I have long heard the quote, “But WHY would a “good” God send ANYONE to Hell??!” But again, Satan is twisting the Truth into a LIE.
The true question, seeing as how God created us, knowing we would rebel & thus setting in motion a plan for our redemption… The TRUE questions is not “why would a good God send anyone to Hell,” but rather…
“WHY would anyone CHOOSE Hell over a GOOD God??!”
The Truth Satan Wants Us to Miss
God fulfilled the plan for our redemption, through perfect, sinless Jesus (God-come-as-man AKA Emmanuel, “God with us”) who WILLINGLY took on the wrath deserved for our sins upon Himself & DIED humbly FOR US, rising again-victorious over both sin & death.
All we are asked to do is to admit our wrongs against God to Him, accept our need for Him, & ask for His grace to cover us. That’s it.
Why would anyone choose Hell over a Good God?
And THAT is why we live to glorify Him. THAT is why it is our life-mission/purpose to bring Him GLORY. Because He loves us that much. Because He wants EVERYONE to know there is TRUE HOPE they can COUNT ON, found only in Him.
How Is That Reflected in Your Life?
And so I ask us this, what are we doing in life to reflect this honorable & loving God-given purpose?
Are we living for ourselves? Are we living just to get through the day? Are we living numb & shut off? Are we living trapped in trauma? Are we living the lies that Satan bottle feeds us daily?
Or… Are we laying down our longings for TRUST that HE IS SUFFICIENT… & asking God to help us find our satisfaction more in Him & less in stuff &/or lifestyle?
… Are we laying down our daily mundane woes or rushed existence to ask God the purpose He has designed for us to give Him glory? … Asking Him how WE can be a part of HIS grand mission to offer grace to the world?
… Are we asking God to help us fight where we feel trapped & broken, asking for healing & renewal & freedom from the pain that keeps us locked in place? Are we trusting He can do that?
… Are we refusing to let Satan write the narrative & instead, asking as in Psalm 139:24 to reveal where we need correction toward TRUTH & away from lies? “See if there is any offensive way in me, & lead me in the way everlasting.”
Show Up… & Let God
It is our time to stand up… to SHOW UP.
It is not up to you to save the world, but it is up to you to ask God where He will have you to go, & when… to let Him lead.
It is not reliant on your resolve, your strength, your wisdom, your courage, or anything else. It is GOD.
It is showing up daily & saying, “God, I am ready. Where do you want me? Give me the wisdom I need… the courage… the strength… the PEACE.”
Or even, “God, I CAN’T. I am nothing! I have NOTHING to offer! I am terrible at this. PLEASE HELP ME & be what I need as I seek to live for You.”
It is being slow to anger, slow to speak (for God) & QUICK TO LISTEN (to God) (James 1:9). It is having a Nehemiah heart of praying through every, “I don’t see how…” “I don’t know what to do…” “Give me the words to say….” It is realizing that WE aren’t their savior. But we know the One Who IS.
It is realizing that WE are WEAK… But HE is STRONG. … WE are FOOLISH… HE is ALL-WISE & ALL-KNOWING… WE have LIMITATIONS… HE does NOT. …WE FAIL… HE FORGIVES.
(***NOTE: I have linked those above Truths to Scripture on BibleGateway.com, so click on them to visit BibleGateway & read them for extra encouragement for just a glimpse of all God is capable.***)
Faith of a Mustard Seed…
Faith the size of a Mustard Seed–Not how big your faith is, but how big your God is.
It’s not being the faith giant that never doubts God & has perfect faith… it is humbly accepting our need of Him, our need of growth, & asking for HIS HELP. It’s not “proving” our faith by doing it all ourselves, it is proving our faith by recognizing our need for His help & ASKING for it every step!
It is not WILL-POWER… But HIS POWER.
Give God the Glory in it ALL
Giving God glory can be done in EVERY part of life, big & small.
Even if it is displayed in how you parent… In how you treat those around you… in how you answer a co-worker or friend’s questions…. Even in the little things, we can point to Him as our hope in it all… We can GIVE Him GLORY.
Shine Hope by living for Him… surrendering your will to His way… surrendering your efforts to His help… by living a life that puts His grace on display wherever you go. Not perfect, but PROGRESS.
He gives grace, not just in death, but all along the journey of life.
He’s worth the glory, so let’s seek to give it whenever humanly possible, with His help every step along the way.
Point to Him as the HOPE we ALL so desperately need. In how you bow your needs to Him, your desires, your fears, your hopes, your everything. Point to Him in it all. THAT is giving God glory.
Coming Next Week
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As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.
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A Note from Michelle:
This blog/website has been running for TWO years now! Thank you for your continued support & encouragement. <3
If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3
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Fashion as a Force for GOOD:
Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!
Nairobi Necklace
Small hammered ovals & ethically sourced bone shapes adorn this golden necklace that shimmers in the light. Crafted in Kenya.
Artisan Information:
In Kenya, where many people struggle with starvation & poverty, the women we partner with are defying the odds! Your purchase empowers these women to earn an income, overcome physical disabilities, & become important parts of their communities!
Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Kenya!
SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!
