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Key Text: “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31
The word glory is one of the richest words in the Bible. It speaks of God’s majesty, holiness, beauty, power, and infinite worth. Glory is the visible expression of who God is. Whenever God reveals Himself, His magnificence is on display.
Everything God does reflects His glory. Creation displays it. Salvation magnifies it. Heaven celebrates it. And every believer is called to live for it.
What Is God’s Glory?
The Hebrew word for glory carries the idea of weight or importance. God’s glory is the fullness of His character—His holiness, righteousness, wisdom, love, justice, mercy, and power.
The psalmist declared,
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)
Every sunrise, every mountain, every ocean wave, and every star-filled sky proclaims that there is a Creator worthy of praise.
The glory of God is not something He possesses in part. It is who He is.
God’s Glory Revealed in Jesus Christ
Although creation displays God’s glory, the clearest revelation of God’s glory is found in Jesus Christ.
John wrote,
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory…).” (John 1:14)
Jesus revealed the Father’s glory through His perfect life, compassionate ministry, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection.
When Philip asked Jesus to show him the Father, Jesus answered,
“He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” (John 14:9)
If we want to know what God is like, we look to Christ.
We Were Created for God’s Glory
The Bible teaches that humanity was created for God’s glory.
Isaiah records God’s words:
“Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory.” (Isaiah 43:7)
Life is not ultimately about our success, comfort, or reputation. Our highest purpose is to know God and make Him known.
Every talent we possess, every opportunity we receive, and every blessing we enjoy should point people toward Him rather than ourselves.
Reflecting God’s Majesty
Believers do not create God’s majesty—we reflect it.
Paul explains,
“But we all… beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory…” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
As we spend time with Christ through Scripture, prayer, worship, and obedience, the Holy Spirit transforms us to become more like Jesus.
People should see His love in our kindness.
His truth in our words.
God’s grace in our forgiveness.
His holiness in our character.
Our lives become mirrors reflecting the glory of God.
Grandeur in Suffering
One of the great mysteries of Scripture is that God often displays His magnificence through suffering.
Paul wrote,
“For our light affliction… worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (2 Corinthians 4:17)
Trials remind us that this world is not our home. They teach dependence upon God and provide opportunities for His strength to be seen through our weakness.
God is just as glorious in the valley as He is on the mountaintop.
Glory Forever
One day every believer will stand in God’s presence.
The Apostle John saw heaven filled with worship as countless angels and redeemed saints cried,
“Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne…” (Revelation 5:13)
On that day, every earthly achievement will fade away, but God’s glory will shine forever.
The Christian life begins with God’s grace, grows through His power, and ends in His glorious presence.
What Does This Mean?
God did not save us merely to make us happy.
He saved us so that our lives would bring Him honor.
Every decision, every conversation, every act of kindness, every sermon preached, every hymn sung, and every quiet moment of obedience can become an act of worship that points others to Christ.
Ask yourself today:
Does the way I live make God’s greatness more visible?
May our prayer always be:
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory.” (Psalm 115:1)
Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.