Ephesians 1:12
“to the end that we who were the first to hope in the Christ would be to the praise of His glory.”
I just submitted an entry on God's worthiness to be praised. While true this passage is more specific. Our lives are to bring glory to God. What an awesome thing that we can bring glory to God. The Lord lets us participate, but He assists. That's one of the amazing things about walking with Christ, is that He assists greatly. It's more than the child on the lap pretending to drive. He uses our talents.
As said, it's more than our efforts. I Corinthians 13:1-3 says, "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." That's a lot of giving, yet without love we add nothing to our account.
With Him we can do much. Philippians says that "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." John 17:23 says, "I in them and You in me". In Christ, we are a dynamic team. We have the almighty God, the creator and sustainer of the universe in us, fellowshipping with us, loving us, and guiding us. This is amazing and powerful. This brings Him glory.
Jesus said, "We are the salt of the earth", we make people thirsty for Him. That's to be the net result. When people see us, they are to want Him. God is working in others hearts. He plants thoughts in them to respond to Him. So as He works through us, He sparks a response in them. Like triggering an appetite. This is bringing Him glory.
As one can see it's much more than a person doing something for God. He empowers us, He blesses the action, He works in others hearts to receive. It's a complicated situation. But being God, it's easy.
If we are not reading His Word, involved in fellowship and aren't engaged in walking with Him, it can be stressful. I can recall having much guilt as a young believer about being obedient and working for God. As I was in His Word and learned about grace, I was freed from that.
Matthew 11:28-30 shares how He frees us, "Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light.” Who wouldn't want that? To go through life with a kind and patient Savior who wants to comfort and help. We learn to love and trust Him. Then He does work through us to bless and help others. He gets glory.
Depending on our gifts and talents He does different through us. Together we are His church loving and blessing the world. We are also to share His standards. The world doesn't like this. They want to do what they want. However, God knows what's best for us and limits our behavior. Obeying His standards brings Him glory.
Lord, thank You for Your Word, Your love and all that You do in and though us. We are privileged that You do all these things and are happy that You get glory.