Who gets the glory?

The author of the devotional I am using puts focus on faith in the gospel, not only for saving sinners as our Substitute, but also for His grace in our everyday lives. Today he writes of our desire to see the glory of God. Some of what he says feels like a rebuke for not believing, yet he also writes of the reasons to see God at work.

For me, it seems easier to be critical of the lack of faith in others and in myself than it is to rejoice in what God is doing, both in my life and the lives of other Christians. This is my fleshy, old nature side: critical, never satisfied, always wanting more, and so on. However, as I praise God in worship, study the Bible, and pray in Jesus’ name, it is easier to trust God for all things, including the biggies, like the mess in the world, and including the salvation of hard-hearted people that seem far from faith.

Early in my walk with Jesus, He gave me this passage, and my focus back then was on the first part. . . .  

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:28–30)

Finally I realized that the “good” was more than what made me feel good; it is about transforming my life to be like Jesus. Then I began to see God's glory in a far different way. Since then, even as I see others going through various circumstances, my prayer is that God will use it for that kind of good — to bring spiritual growth into their lives. That is the glory of God.

Yet far too often, something else is given credit for our victories. I cannot be critical for I do it too. When I was in the hospital last year, I told others that I came out with far more empathy for those who are sick. I should be saying that the Lord gave me this empathy instead of sounding like it dropped out of thin air. This is because. . . .  

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)

Years ago I was involved in a seminar where one of the attendees was often giving God glory. Another Christian said, “Who is that woman doing all the God-talk?” as if to make fun of her. Is that why giving God glory is difficult or avoided? That others will mock me? Or treat me as if I am odd? This fear is more than mere selfishness; it is dangerous. Jesus said:

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” (Mark 8:38)

So the Lord’s Word to me today is very clear — I am to not only seek His glory but speak it. For instance, Jesus answered prayer and healed BF of back and knee pain that has bothered her for years. My hubby met a man last night who gave him affordable information about a problem in our home, totally providential, thank You Jesus. I prayed for someone to want an odd desk that I could not seem to sell, and it was sold the next day.

PRAY: This is a short list. God, You hear, care, and often answer prayer before it is prayed. It is easy to write about it and toss it out into the world on the Internet. Help me to do the same with my words and actions every day, because You give me so many opportunities to glorify You!