How can we glorify God in our daily lives, following Jesus' example? Setting the Scene John 13 records Jesus in the upper room, moments before the cross. He has just washed the disciples’ feet, Judas has slipped into the night, and the Lord speaks of glory: “If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him at once.” (John 13:32) In one sentence Jesus links His own obedience, the Father’s honor, and the immediate display of divine glory. His pathway—humble service, sacrificial love, unwavering obedience—becomes our roadmap for everyday life. What Jesus Shows Us About Glory • Glory flows from obedience. Jesus surrendered to the Father’s plan (John 6:38). • Glory is revealed in love expressed through service (John 13:1-5). • Glory is immediate—“at once.” When we walk as He walked, God is glorified now, not merely later. • Glory is reciprocal: the Son honors the Father, and the Father simultaneously honors the Son (John 17:1-5). Daily Practices That Reflect His Glory • Serve in lowly tasks without fanfare – Wash the dishes, change the diaper, or take the late-night call the way Jesus washed dusty feet. • Speak words that build up – “If anyone speaks, he should speak as one conveying the words of God” (1 Peter 4:11). • Do everything with thanksgiving – “Whatever you do … do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17). • Choose integrity when no one sees – “The Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:4). • Redirect praise upward – When complimented, quietly turn hearts to the Lord: “He enabled me.” • Pursue reconciliation quickly – Forgive as Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). • Keep your body holy – “Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Let light shine through good works – “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Heart Posture Behind the Actions • Humility: “Have this mind among yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5-8). • Dependence: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Joyful submission: “I delight to do Your will” (Psalm 40:8). • Love that mirrors His: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Tying It All Together with Other Scriptures • 1 Corinthians 10:31 — “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” • John 17:4 — “I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.” • Romans 12:1-2 — Offer your body as a living sacrifice; this is “your spiritual service of worship.” • Hebrews 13:15-16 — Continual praise and practical generosity both glorify God. • Psalm 115:1 — “Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory.” Encouragement for the Week Every ordinary moment is charged with potential to echo John 13:32. When our words, motives, and deeds point to the Father—just as Jesus did—heaven notices, the Father is honored, and His glory is displayed “at once” in our everyday lives. |
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