How can we "ascribe to the LORD the glory" in our daily lives? A Call to Give God His Due Glory “ ‘Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and enter His courts.’ ” (Psalm 96:8) The psalm is not a polite suggestion; it is a royal summons. God’s glory is His unmatched weight, beauty, and worth, and Scripture insists we respond to it with practical, observable honor each day. What “Ascribe” Really Means To “ascribe” (Hebrew: yā·haḇ) is to actively attribute or credit. In daily life that involves: • Recognizing His character—publicly and privately. • Assigning credit for every good gift back to Him (James 1:17). • Refusing to let anyone or anything else sit on the throne of our affections. Daily Pathways to Glorify God 1. Words that Honor • “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” (Hebrews 13:15) • Speak of His goodness in casual conversations, texts, and social media. • Replace grumbling with gratitude; He is glorified when we acknowledge His hand in every circumstance. 2. Worship that is Wholehearted • “Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.” (Psalm 29:2) • Engage in corporate worship with focus—sing, listen, and pray as if He is physically present, because He is. • Cultivate private worship: sing hymns in the kitchen, pray in the car, read His Word aloud. 3. Work that Reflects His Excellence • “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) • Show up on time, give honest effort, and treat coworkers with kindness; excellence hints at His excellence. • Dedicate each task—mundane or monumental—as an offering to Him. 4. Choices that Display His Worth • “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) • Ask, “Will this decision magnify or minimize God’s reputation?” • Steward time, money, and talents as resources entrusted by the King. 5. Service that Mirrors His Love • “Do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” (Hebrews 13:16) • Volunteer, encourage, give generously—these acts paint a living picture of the gospel’s transforming power. 6. Obedience that Costs Something • “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices.” (Romans 12:1) • Honor boundaries God sets—sexual purity, truthful speech, integrity—because He is worthy. • Surrender personal preferences when they conflict with His clearly revealed will. Guarding Against Glory-Thieves • Pride—taking credit that belongs to Him (Acts 12:21-23). • Idolatry—letting success, relationships, or comfort rival His place (Exodus 20:3). • Distraction—filling schedules so full that worship is squeezed out (Luke 10:38-42). Regular self-examination and repentance keep the focus where it belongs. Living Testimonies of His Glory • Families—praying and reading Scripture together broadcasts His supremacy to children. • Suffering—clinging to His promises in trials shows the world He is more satisfying than relief (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). • Celebration—thanking Him publicly in victories turns applause toward heaven (Revelation 4:11). Closing Encouragement Every sunrise brings a fresh canvas to paint His worth. By aligning our words, worship, work, choices, service, and obedience with Scripture, we loudly proclaim, “Glory belongs to the LORD—and to Him alone!” |
    |