Sunday, July 24, 2005

Living in God’s Glory

All Things for His Glory




Embracing Our Divine Purpose

The Source and Purpose of All Creation



Romans 11:36 declares, "For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen." This profound statement encapsulates the essence of God’s glory—He is the source, sustainer, and ultimate purpose of everything that exists. When we reflect on what God has done for us, we see that this entire universe we live in came from Him. Every star, every planet, every living being—all were created by His hand and for His glory.


From the moment of creation, God’s intention has been to reveal His glory. The psalmist exclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). The vastness of the cosmos, with its innumerable stars and galaxies, is a testament to the greatness of our Creator. Each element of creation, in its beauty and complexity, reflects a facet of His divine nature. We live and exist because of Him, and our very being is a reflection of His glory.


Not only is the universe a testimony to God's glory, but we, as His creation, are also designed to reflect that glory. Genesis 1:27 tells us, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Being made in God’s image means that we carry within us the imprint of His character, His creativity, and His love. Our purpose is to glorify Him in all that we do, to be mirrors that reflect His light into a world that desperately needs to see Him.


When we truly grasp the reality that “of him, and through him, and to him, are all things,” it changes our perspective on life. We begin to see that every blessing, every talent, every opportunity is a gift from God meant to be used for His glory. Our successes are not just our own achievements, but manifestations of His grace at work within us. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 urges us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”


In response to this overwhelming truth, how can we not be moved to praise? The psalmist continually calls us to glorify God with our lips: “I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever” (Psalm 86:12). When we consider all that God has done—from the creation of the universe to the redemption of our souls—we are compelled to lift our voices in adoration and thanksgiving. Let our lips always sing of His glory forevermore.


Moreover, our lives should be living testimonies of God’s glory. As Jesus taught in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our actions, words, and even our thoughts should point others to the greatness of our God. When we reflect His love, His grace, and His truth, we bring glory to His name and fulfill our created purpose.


As we reflect on the majesty of God's glory, let us remember that it is both a privilege and a responsibility to live for His glory. The Westminster Shorter Catechism beautifully summarizes our purpose: "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." This is not just a momentary act, but a lifelong pursuit—a calling to continually reflect God's glory in every aspect of our lives.


In conclusion, let us embrace the truth of Romans 11:36, acknowledging that all things are of Him, through Him, and to Him. May we live with a constant awareness of His glory, allowing it to shape our thoughts, our actions, and our worship. And may our lives, like the heavens above, declare the glory of God, both now and forevermore. Amen.


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