How can I glorify God? What does it mean to glorify God?

from the old testament

• Only God is worthy of glory (Isaiah 42:8).
• Whereas man is sinful, God is holy (Isaiah 6:3; see Romans 3:23).
• Whereas man is limited in power, God is eternal and omnipotent (Psalm 8:4; Deuteronomy 33:27; Job 37:14-24; see 1 Peter 1:24).
• Whereas man seeks his own way, God’s ways are higher and perfect (Isaiah 55:8-9; Proverbs 14:12).
• Whereas man’s heart is deceitful, God is faithful and true (Jeremiah 17:9; see Revelation 19:11).
• Whereas man cannot save himself, God is mighty to save (Isaiah 63:1; Zephaniah 3:17; see Ephesians 2:8-9).
• Whereas man’s love is flawed, God’s love is steadfast and unfailing (Psalm 136:1-2; see 1 John 4:10).
• Whereas man is prone to forget, God remembers His covenant forever (Psalm 103:14; Psalm 105:8).
• Whereas man lives temporarily, God reigns forever (Psalm 90:2; see Revelation 1:8).
• Whereas man judges by outward appearance, God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7; see Hebrews 4:12-13).
• Whereas man stumbles, God upholds the righteous (Psalm 37:23-24; see Jude 1:24).
• Whereas man’s understanding is limited, God’s wisdom is unsearchable (Proverbs 3:5; Isaiah 55:8-9; see Romans 11:33).
• Whereas man changes, God is unchanging and faithful (Malachi 3:6; see Hebrews 13:8; James 1:17).
• Whereas man is born in sin, God is righteous and just (Psalm 51:5; Psalm 145:17; Deuteronomy 32:4).
• We must not imagine that God needs to be glorified by us. His glory belongs to Him and we cannot add anything to it (Isaiah 48:11; see Acts 17:25).

from the new testament

• The New Testament confirms that only God is worthy of glory (Revelation 4:11; Romans 11:36).
• Whereas man will lie and let us down, God is always trustworthy and faithful to His promises (Romans 3:13; 2 Timothy 2:13). The reasons to glorify God are as infinite as God Himself.
• Whereas man may fear the future, God holds all things together and is in control (Colossians 1:17; Matthew 6:34; see Psalm 139:16).
• It is only by living to glorify Him that we can be truly holy and happy (1 Timothy 6:6; Philippians 4:12-13).
• God's glory is most clearly expressed to us in the incarnation of Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son. Hebrews 1:3-4 says, "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
• Jesus is our perfect example for how we can glorify God. He believed and trusted in God the Father (Matthew 27:43). He submitted His will to the will of the Father and obeyed Him in all things (John 5:30; Luke 22:42). He declared the arrival of the kingdom of God and worked towards its advancement (Mark 1:14-15; Matthew 6:33).
• The most important and fundamental way in which we glorify God is by believing that Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Without believing in Jesus, we cannot know or glorify God (John 4:34; John 14:6). If we do not know God, we cannot glorify Him. However, by believing in Jesus Christ we can know and glorify God.

implications for today

People tend to glorify other people. Athletes are glorified for their physical talents and championships. Political leaders are glorified for their leadership. Unfortunately, we are often disappointed by these all too human objects of glory. We discover that the glorified athlete cheated and the glorified politician lied. The problem is that we have exchanged the glory of the incorruptible and immortal God for the glory of corruptible and mortal man (Romans 1:22-23). Instead of glorifying God, the fountain of living waters, we glorify the broken cisterns of man (Jeremiah 2:13). Only God is worthy of all glory.

As we reflect on the truth that only God is worthy of glory (Isaiah 42:8), we are called to intentionally realign our focus. Here are practical ways we can glorify God in our everyday lives:

Live with Integrity: Our actions should reflect the truth and righteousness of God. Whether at work, in our relationships, or in our personal lives, we can glorify God by walking in integrity, choosing honesty and righteousness even when no one is watching. For instance, if you're faced with a temptation to compromise on a project at work, choose to do it correctly, even if it costs more time or resources. This shows others that our highest allegiance is to God, not to self-interest or personal gain.

Pursue Excellence for God's Glory: When we excel in various areas of life—whether it’s in our work, studies, or talents—we can give glory to God by acknowledging that every good gift comes from Him (James 1:17). We can dedicate our efforts and successes to Him, using our gifts to serve others and point them to Him. For example, if you’re an artist or a musician, you might create something that reflects God’s beauty or share your art in ways that inspire others to seek God.

Worship and Praise: One of the most direct ways to glorify God is through worship. This is not just singing in church on Sundays but making every moment a reflection of reverence toward God. Whether you're driving, cooking, or cleaning, use these times to thank God, praise Him for His attributes, and acknowledge His sovereignty. This keeps your heart aligned with the truth that only God is worthy of praise, not the fleeting things of this world.

Serve Others: Jesus said that when we serve others, we are ultimately serving Him (Matthew 25:40). By offering our time and resources to help those in need, we reflect the love and humility of Christ. For instance, volunteering at a local shelter or supporting someone struggling with their health not only helps others, but it glorifies God by displaying His compassion and mercy through our actions.

Prioritize God’s Word: To truly glorify God, we must know His will, which is revealed through His Word. Spend time daily reading the Bible, meditating on it, and applying its teachings to your life. This isn’t just about knowledge but about transformation. As you live out His Word, you reflect His glory in the way you respond to life's challenges, treat others with kindness, and pursue holiness. For example, when faced with difficult decisions, bring them before God in prayer and seek His guidance through Scripture, trusting that His ways lead to life.

In all these ways, we can shift our focus from glorifying the fleeting things of this world to glorifying the eternal God who deserves all praise and honor. By living in integrity, excellence, worship, service, and faithfulness to His Word, we demonstrate that we recognize and embrace God as the only one worthy of glory.