Honor and Glory

I’ve noticed an encouraging trend within Christianity. Young believers are shifting their focus away from what can God do for me and towards how can I honor God. This is exceptionally good since that is why Jesus performed all of those miracles during His earthly ministry.

20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel… 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father.
– John 5:20,22-23a ESV, emphasis

Our purpose for existence is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. The term “glorify” encompasses worship, reverence, praise, proclamation of God’s greatness, singing to the Lord, and more. The word “glorify” appears 23 times in the Bible (ESV), showing its significance.

So many verses in the Bible become clearer to understand when we read them from the perspective of Jesus being glorified. Consider what John the Baptist said about Jesus.

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’
– John 1:29-30

When John said, “Behold,” he was making the kind of declaration spoken for a king! Why is it important for us to continually honor God daily? It may seem obvious, but it’s worth stating. We honor God not because He needs it. God is complete within Himself. He needs nothing. We honor God for many reasons, such as:

• It is a command of God (Philippians 2:10, Proverbs 3:9).
• So that we remain aware of His sufficiency and sovereignty.
• So that we do not think of God as being or thinking like us.
• So that we complete the love that flows between God and us.

Our lives must be based on eternity with God. The trouble we endure here is fleeting; they will soon pass. As St. Peter wrote, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

If we live our lives focused on the here and now, we will be stressed out, confused, and overwhelmed. But if we honor Jesus, we will see our lives differently. Remember, this world is not our home; we’re just passing through!