Glorifying God is  not something that ends at the conclusion of a worship assembly. Giving glory to God for a Christians is a 7 day a week, 24 hour a day endeavor.  But how do we do this? Some believe that it is done by peppering our speech with a lot “hallelujah” and “praise the Lord”. I’d like to suggest that there are other even more effective ways of doing this.

Evangelism—This is the most obvious way in which we may glorify God, by talking to others about how much He has done for us and all of mankind through the cross. How He has saved us and how He can save others, too. Glorify God through the telling of the Gospel.

Speech—But there are also other kinds of words that can give glory to God: kind words, gentle speech, clean expressions, and wholesome exclamations. The kind of words that are devoid of using the Lord’s name in vain, or of vulgarity, or of gossip, or lying, or dirty jokes (Eph. 5:4). People can tell a Texan by his speech (I know), and so also one’s Christian speech will give away one’s belief in God. When people notice, tell them it is because of the Lord.

Attitudes—God will not be glorified by grumpiness, vengefulness, snootiness, impatience, curtness, or judgmental attitudes. Such attitudes have given Christianity and the Lord a bad name. Especially when worldly people are jovial, friendly, understanding, patient, loving, and pleasant to be around. When people wonder how you could be so upbeat on a cold, rainy day, tell them that it’s the Lord in your heart—glorify God. (Php. 2:5ff)

How We Dress—I’ve seen a lot of dress that glorifies a lot of bad stuff: sensuality, anarchy, obscenity, liquor, pride, and worse. But the Lord can also be glorified by what we wear and how we wear it. Modesty, appropriateness, and righteousness (if you’re wearing a t-shirt with a message on it) all give glory to God (1 Tim. 2:9,10). When people ask why you dress this way, let them know that the Lord is your fashion consultant.

Possessions—Paul told the Corinthians (2 Cor. 9:13) that their use of their monies for support of the poor in Judea would glorify God, and the way that we use our money and other possessions today still can glorify God or embarrass Him.

Entertainment—What would you deduct about a person who often views “adult” movies, listens to “gangsta rap” without conscience, and wouldn’t think twice about skipping church for something fun? Worldly? Fitting in? What would you deduct about a person avoids “adult” movie ratings, prefers wholesome entertainment, and refuses to skip church for a sports event or special concert? Different? A prude? Get the point? Even your entertainment can give glory to or dishonor God. If your entertainment choices are wholesome, people are likely to ask you, “Why?” Because of the Lord, of course.

Secular Job—The New Testament commands a good work performance of disciples, because it reflects well on the Lord. “Urge bondslaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect.” (Titus 2:9, 10).

Neighborhood Relations— What image do unbelieving neighbors have of the Lord and His church? They get one from you, you know. What have they seen? Neighborliness, friendliness, faithful attendance, sound morals, Bible respect and knowledge? Is God glorified in your neighborhood?

Home—Here we sometimes let our light go dim, we become “ourselves” and God fails to be glorified in front of our children, parents, and spouses. Even here we should glorify God with a civil tongue, right behavior, integrity, and love (Eph. 5:22ff).

Are you glorifying God in your everyday living?

Park LInscomb