How many times have I heard the passionate heart’s cry of a believer praying to glorify God? Often there’s a tone of despair – usually because of a sense of unworthiness. But when God had you in mind, He started from a completely different place – His delight in you!
What glorifies God?
Is it service, good works, holiness, giving, or using your gifts?
Yes and no. Let’s explore this from a son of God, Who might know – Jesus, Himself! John 17:1 (TPT) says:
17 This is what Jesus prayed as he looked up into heaven,
“Father, the time has come.
Unveil the glorious splendor of your Son[a]
so that I will magnify your glory!
Read those last two lines again:
Unveil the glorious splendor of your Son[a]
so that I will magnify your glory!
The glory of God is magnified by unveiling the glorious splendor of the sons/daughters of God. This applied to Christ in the flesh, but let me be perfectly clear – this applies to us as God’s sons and daughters of God, as well. How do we know this? God is a relational God. Father God is Father because He has sons and daughters. Before the foundation of the world, when we were created, God joined us to Himself as holy with unstained innocence, our true nature (Ephesians 1:4). Jesus was the un-created firstborn of many created brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29-30 (TPT) says:
29 For he knew all about us before we were born and he destined us[aa] from the beginning to share the likeness of his Son. This means the Son is the oldest among a vast family of brothers and sisters who will become just like him.
30 Having determined our destiny ahead of time, he called us to himself and transferred his perfect righteousness to everyone he called. And those who possess his perfect righteousness he co-glorified with his Son!
How do we then as sons and daughters glorify God – our Father/Eldest Brother/Husband/Spirit? We do so by being unveiled ourselves – manifesting the glory that we carry within! Romans 8:19 (TPT) says:
19 The entire universe is standing on tiptoe, yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters!
The word, unveiling, is the Greek word, apokalypsis, the same word for the title of the last book of the Bible: The Revelation [ or Unveiling] of Jesus Christ. Quite simply, being a glorious son glorifies the glorious Father/Son/Spirit! How does this happen? This is a work of Holy Spirit and is our destiny (Romans 8:29-30). 2 Corinthians 3:18 (TPT) says:
18 We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus.[a]We are being transfigured[b] into his very image as we move from one brighter level of glory to another.[c] And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.[d]
The more we gaze, abide, practice the presence, practice contemplative prayer, worship – whatever we do to commune with Christ – we are transformed! If you want some help with this, you can read my blog, Focusing on the Face of God. For a hyper-boost, you will want to get my “Marked by Love” book and go through the “Love Encounter Breaks” slowly. You’ll love it!
The fact that we are sons and daughters by birth – because of God’s choice, not our own (Ephesians 1:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, John 1:12-13, John 15:16), is a huge position of security. John 8:34-36 (TPT) says:
34 “I speak eternal truth,” Jesus said. “When you sin you are not free. You’ve become a slave in bondage to your sin. 35 And slaves have no permanent standing in a family, like a son does, for a son is a part of the family forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free!
You have been justified and set free from sin (Romans 8:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21). Awakening to that more will upgrade the behavior (1 Corinthians 15:34). You are right now an adored, approved or son or daughter! You have a permanent place in the family! He justified you as a means to glorifying you as a son and daughter. Romans 8:29-30 (NASB) says:
29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
If you want to delve into this more, read my What Does It Mean to Be Saved? blog. A servant is only as good as their last act of service. But God secured you in His family because He adores you! So then, cooperating with Holy Spirit by abiding in Christ, and renewing your mind to Who He is and Who you are and what that all means is how you are unveiled! You were made glorious because your Father is glorious! That is how you glorify God. And in the process you will DO glorious things as a byproduct! You will love because you’re loved! From the place of Love, you will serve, you will give, you will exude holiness, you will use your gifts and so on!
I trust this has been illuminating and freeing for you! I’d love to hear your thoughts – please share below!
Love,
Catherine
