How can I glorify God in everything?
Each person is made of three parts—a spirit, and soul, and a body. As we get to know the Lord, we should continue to glorify Him more and more in every area of our lives. We bring glory to Him by becoming like Him—reflecting Him to others, since we are created in His image (Genesis 1:27; Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24).When we are born again, our spirits are made new. We are able to love God and love others with the love He has given to us. We make decisions based on what will be wise and spiritually beneficial: "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). A renewed spirit is evidenced by the presence of fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Galatians 5:22–23). When we walk in the fruit of the Spirit, it brings glory to God. We are to do all our work as unto the Lord, even if we are in less than ideal circumstances (Colossians 3:23). We can bring glory to God by treating others with care and respect in situations where it may be undeserved.
We are to glorify God in our souls. Our minds, wills, and emotions are to be set on things that are pleasing to Him: "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things" (Philippians 4:8). Meditating on God's Word gives us the fortitude and discipline to glorify God within our internal worlds, which translates to our external actions (Psalm 1; 119:11). Jesus Himself is our perfect example of this; He used the Word of God to fight off the temptation of the Devil (Matthew 4:1–11).
Our physical bodies are also a means by which we glorify God. When our spirits and minds are set on Christ, it is a natural overflow for us to glorify God with our bodies. First Corinthians 6:19–20 says: "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." This passage is discussing sexual immorality and the importance of respecting our physical bodies by refraining from immoral behaviors. Just because we "can" do something does not mean we "should" (1 Corinthians 6:12–20). Our physical bodies must be disciplined so that we can endure the race God has set before us. Paul says: "So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:26–27). When we keep our bodies disciplined and strong, this brings glory to God and it ensures that we are able to accomplish all that He has for us to do.
A life that brings glory to God requires that we deny ourselves of our fleshly evil desires (Luke 9:23) and offer ourselves to God as "living sacrifices" so that Christ may live and be glorified in and through us (Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 2:20). God is worthy of all glory (Revelation 4:11). We must be bold to glorify Him through our desires and actions. Matthew 5:16 says: "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." In every facet of our lives, we should aim to live for the purpose of honoring God and bringing Him glory.
How can I come to really know God?
How are our lives a testimony for Jesus?
In light of Christ's return, how are we to live our lives?
Who are we in Christ?
What can I do to become more like Christ?
Truth about the Christian Life
