How can I glorify God in everything?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

There are different ways to glorify God in our daily life. We can meditate on His word (Psalm 1; 119:11; Matthew 4:1-11), forsake fleshly, evil desires (Luke 9:23), offer ourselves to God as "living sacrifices" (Romans 12:1-2), and reserve and prepare our physical bodies as instruments for God’s purposes (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 1 Corinthians 9:26-27). Because we are spiritually born again, our spirits are made new and we are able to pursue God’s glory in everyday activities (1 Corinthians 10:31) and live out the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). We can also glorify God through thoughts that honor Him (Philippians 4:8) and our daily work (Colossians 3:23). Ultimately, we cannot take credit for anything good; all glory belongs to God (Revelation 4:11).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Meditating on God's Word gives us the fortitude and discipline to glorify Him in our actions (Psalm 1; 119:11).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus is the perfect example of meditating on God’s Word and using it to fight off the temptation of the Devil (Matthew 4:1-11).
• A life that brings glory to God requires that we deny ourselves of our fleshly, evil desires (Luke 9:23).
• We are to offer ourselves to God as "living sacrifices" so that Christ is glorified in and through us (Romans 12:1-2).
• When our spirits and minds are set on Christ, it is a natural overflow for us to glorify God with our bodies. First Corinthians 6:19-20 says: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." We are to flee sexual immorality and respect our physical bodies by refraining from immoral behaviors.
• Our physical bodies must be disciplined so that we can endure the race God has set before us. Paul says: "So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:26-27). Keeping our bodies disciplined and strong glorifies God and ensures that we are able to accomplish all that He has for us to do.
• When we are born again, our spirits are made new. We are able to love God and love others with the love He has given to us. We make decisions based on what will be wise and spiritually beneficial: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31).
• A renewed spirit is evidenced by the presence of fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23). Walking in the fruit of the Spirit, glorifies God.
• Our minds, wills, and emotions are to be set on pleasing God: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8).
• We are to do all our work as unto the Lord, even if we are in less than ideal circumstances (Colossians 3:23). We can glorify God by treating others with care and respect in situations where it may be undeserved.
• Ultimately, God is worthy of all glory (Revelation 4:11).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Each person is made of three parts—a spirit, a soul, and a body. As we get to know the Lord, we should increasingly glorify Him in every area of our lives. We bring glory to Him by becoming like Him—reflecting Him to others since we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24). We must boldly glorify God through our desires and actions. We are to be a light in the world, as Matthew 5:16 says: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." In every facet of our lives, we should honor and glorify the Lord.

UNDERSTAND

• Glorifying God means reflecting Him by the way we think, what we do, and how we live.
• We glorify God by living in a way that reveals Him to the world.
• All actions, including work and relationships, should honor God, acknowledging His ultimate glory.

REFLECT

• How can you glorify God more consistently in your thoughts and daily actions?
• In what areas of your life do you struggle to deny selfish desires, and how can you surrender them to God for His glory?
• How can you use your physical body and your daily work as an offering to God?

ENGAGE

• How can we help each other stay accountable in living for God's glory in both big and small decisions?
• What are some practical ways we can ensure our actions reflect God's character to the world around us?
• How do we balance striving to glorify God with the reality of imperfect circumstances and personal struggles?