Give Glory to God, but How?

We hear about angels singing praises to God when Jesus was born: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those with whom he favours” ( NRSV, Lk 2:14 ). We as people are also to give God glory, but how does one do that?

It was once explained to me in a simple way; it went something like this: How does a rock give glory to God? By being a rock. Simply by being there, to sit on, to move, to use, to throw, to enjoy its beauty, texture and so on. How does a tree give glory to God? By being a tree. Simply by being there for the birds, the bees, for shade, for lumber, for any of our needs and so on. It is the same thing with the birds of the air, with the waters, the sky and all of the natural world. So, how do we give glory to God? Simply by being human, by being what we were created for - to know, to love and to serve God. If you know God, you can’t help but to love. Creation gives glory to God. Psalm 19:1-6 speaks to God’s glory. “The heavens are telling the glory of God” (NRSV Ps 19:1). Day after day, the sky, the land, the waters, the vegetation, the sun, the moon, the stars, the birds, the fish and the animals all show God’s glory. They all do what is natural for them, and all change, adapt and develop over time. Shouldn’t we be doing the same? Why are we sometimes trying to be what we are not created for?

What is being human like? We were created in the image of God (Gen 1:26). God is love ( NRSV 1 John 4:8,16), and we give glory whenever we love. Jesus gave us a commandment “to love one another as I have loved you.” I have a sign in my house that I think summarizes how to be human and give glory. It reads, “do small things with great love.” Jesus is alive and with us to continue to show us how to give glory to God.

It is hard to give glory some days when we are out of sync with ourselves when we find ourselves losing our inner peace. What to do? Fr. Mark Goring on Food for Live (Vision TV) gives us 7 questions to ponder to right our ship:

  1. Am I respecting my humanity? We are all created with a body. Am I taking care of it properly, eating, resting, exercising, etc.?
  2. Am I praying? How?
  3. Is there someone I need to reconcile with?
  4. Is God asking something of me? God always calls us to the next step, moving forward.
  5. Is there something I need to repent? Toss it away and get forgiveness.
  6. Am I out of my rhythm? We all need a good routine, a healthy routine.
  7. Am I under spiritual attack? We know the devil is relentless.

Remember to give glory to God 24-7 – remember to love 24-7.

Norbert Gaudet

RC Church Raymore

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Disclaimer: opinions expressed are those of the writer.

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