Displaying or Distorting the Glory

God’s single purpose for my life is to bring him glory. He not only created me for his glory, but he is committed to continually transforming me into increasing degrees of glorious-ness. (Or is it gloriosity?) I don’t know. 

What I do know is that “beholding the glory of the Lord, [we] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”

(2 Corinthians 3:18)

Becoming more like Christ is the result of beholding more of Christ. The more I behold the glory of Christ, the more I become a reflection of the glory of Christ. This is the only way to change my behavior so that it glorifies God. Everything else is self-glorifying moralism.

God wants to continually transform me from one degree of glory to another degree of glory. 

• From the glory of admiring Jesus to the glory of surrendering to Jesus.

• From the glory of knowing about Jesus to knowing and enjoying Jesus.

• From the glory of thinking about Jesus to worshipping him.

• From the glory of receiving forgiveness to the glory of forgiving others

• From the glory of going to heaven when I die, to the glory of living for him on earth.

• From the glory of praying that God will give me what I need, to the glory of giving to meet the needs of others. 

• From the glory of Jesus being a part of my life, to the glory of Jesus being the center of my life.

Every single decision I make will either display or distort the glory of God. 

We display the glory of God’s love when we have been cheated, stolen from, lied about, gossiped against, sued, divorced, abused, or disappointed in a church situation, and you chose to forgive and not demand payment, you display the glory of God’s Mercy. But we distort the glory of God’s love when we get bitter, slander, hate, and attack those who have wronged or oppose us. 

We display the glory of God’s righteousness when we deny our fleshly desires, guard our eyes, and enjoy all things in moderation. We distort the glory of God’s righteousness when we give in to temptation, indulge our flesh in pornography, drunkenness, and meaningless entertainment. 

We display the glory of God’s faithfulness when a busy man or woman wakes up early in the morning to meet with God in His Word and in prayer, and reminds themselves of God’s covenant promises in Christ. We distort the glory of God’s faithfulness when we rush through our day without a thought of God, giving the best of our time and energy to the cares of this world, resulting in fear, worry, and anxiety dominating our emotions. 

We display the glory of the gospel when we humble ourselves, confess our sin, repent, and receive his forgiveness and grace to start anew. We distort the glory of the gospel when we cover our sin, beat ourselves up, and try to do better in our own strength. 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31)