What role does "the glory of the Lord" play in Christian service? Setting the Scene in 2 Corinthians 8:19 “[Titus] was chosen by the churches to accompany us with this gracious gift, which we are administering to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show our readiness to help.” (2 Corinthians 8:19) The Glory of the Lord—What Scripture Means • “Glory” (Greek: doxa) points to God’s weight, worth, and radiance—His revealed excellence. • It is God’s own self-display (Exodus 33:18-23); wherever His glory is honored, His character is made visible. • For believers, every work is to spotlight that glory, never our own (Isaiah 42:8; Romans 11:36). Why Glory Sits at the Center of Christian Service 1. Ultimate Purpose – 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” – Christian service exists first to exalt Him, not merely to relieve need. 2. Measuring Stick – Does the task reflect God’s holiness, love, justice, and truth? If yes, His glory is advanced. – Anything that dims or distorts those traits fails the test. 3. Motivating Power – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15: Christ’s love compels us; the revealed glory of the cross energizes sacrifice. – Seeing His glory transforms us into likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18), fueling ever-greater service. How Paul Models Glory-Oriented Ministry in 2 Corinthians 8 • Transparency with money so no reproach touches God’s name (vv. 20-21). • Team accountability—multiple brothers oversee the offering to protect the testimony of Christ. • Readiness and eagerness (v. 19): quick obedience magnifies God’s beauty by showing His grace works in human hearts. Safeguards That Protect His Glory in Our Service – Integrity: honest reporting, open books, clear boundaries (Proverbs 11:3). – Humility: deflecting praise upward (Acts 14:14-15). – Excellence: doing work “heartily, as for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). – Dependence: prayerful reliance so results trace back to Him (Ephesians 3:20-21). Practical Takeaways for Today • Before starting any ministry task, ask: “Will this help others see God’s worth?” • Build structures that keep glory directed to Him—shared leadership, testimonies that highlight His action, not personalities. • Celebrate outcomes by recounting what God did, echoing Luke 17:18: “Was no one found to return and give glory to God…?” • Let gratitude flow to generosity; Paul’s entire collection effort teaches that seeing God’s glory in Christ unlocks openhanded giving (2 Corinthians 9:13). Living It Out Daily 1. Start mornings reading passages that unveil His glory (e.g., Psalm 96; John 1:14). 2. Serve someone unseen, expecting no credit—train the heart to value God’s applause alone. 3. At day’s end, recount ways His character shone through your actions; return praise to Him. Christian service is, at its core, a stage for the glory of the Lord. When His worth remains the focus, our labor gains eternal significance, our motives stay pure, and a watching world glimpses the splendor of the God we love. |
    |