Dave’s Monday Blast – January 9, 2023
The purpose and joy of the Christian life isn’t to live for ourselves and our own exaltation, but for God and His glory. Glorifying the Lord isn’t merely something we sing about on Sundays; it encompasses the entirety of our lives. What does this idea mean?
From Pastor Charles Stanley:
1. To glorify God we must understand what His glory is. From Scripture we learn that it’s the manifestation of God’s attributes, perfections, and radiance. Psalm 145 attributes to the Lord unsearchable greatness, glorious splendor, wonderful works, mighty power, lovingkindness, mercy, goodness, majesty, and righteousness. He is truly worthy of all glory and honor.
2. Next we must consider how we glorify the Lord. The most obvious way is with our words. But we also glorify Him by humbling ourselves, depending on Him, and recognizing that all the good in and from us is actually His. It’s God’s will that our lives bring Him praise. This will be fulfilled in heaven but should also be our practice while here on earth
3. Lastly, why should we glorify the Lord? There are two basic reasons: because of who He is and what He does. The more we understand the grandeur of our God and the greatness of His works, both for and through us, the more we’ll desire to exalt Him.
It’s by His doing that you are in Christ Jesus, not by any effort or goodness on your part (1 Corinthians 1:30). It’s by His Spirit that you have life in your mortal body (Romans 8:11). It’s because you partake of His nature that you have all you need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1: 3 – 4). It’s by the indwelling Christ that you achieve things you’d otherwise lack the strength for (Philippians 4:13). And it’s God’s work in you that makes the unimaginable possible (Ephesians 3:20). You are merely the recipient of His gracious gifts, and that’s reason for overwhelming joy.
Here is our challenge my friends: This year, INTENTIONALLY spend time in the Word, exploring the glory of God and rejoicing that He works mightily in and through you!
