Giving God Glory

Food for Thought:

Our class devotion took an interesting spin last Friday that I’d like to share with you all:

There is a particular phrase that happens to be common in the church today, especially in worship songs and liturgy.  It usually consists of some form of “to glorify God.”  I find this to be rather vague.  I mean, I’ve never really pondered what it means to give God glory.  Have you?  What is glory?  Does it refer to the fullness of one’s greatness, or does it refer to winning a battle? Is it merely an abstract term that sounds pious, or is there substance to it that we can grasp daily?  I’d like to propose that as believers, we can know what glory is and that we are certainly able to give God the glory due His name today, tomorrow and forever.

The terms ‘glory’ and ‘fame’ are most often synonymous, which in effect means that to give God glory means to make Him famous.  Let us remember though, that whether we give God glory or not by spreading His name, He will still possess all of His glory.  There is nothing we can do to make Him un-glorious.  What we can do is to agree, publicly and privately, with who He has declared Himself to be – the King, the Lord over all creation, the Great I AM, YHWH. 

This past Saturday I attended Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral.  This service consisted of a hymn at the beginning sung by the congregation and the choir, followed by more hymns, psalms and liturgy sung only by the choir, two Scripture readings, prayers, and a final hymn in which the congregation could join.  I have never heard a choir sing with such clarity, strength and beauty as the choir at Christ Church.  The voices of the boys and men washed over me, matching in harmonies so perfect that it was impossible for me to hear it with my ears alone; I heard the musical praises of God in my soul.  The skill of the choir and their seemingly flawless execution led me to wonder how pleasing it must be for God to hear His name magnified in such a way.  I’m not saying He doesn’t enjoying sincere singing from those of us much less skilled.  I’m only pointing out that He very well might enjoy the wonderful sounds that cause us to marvel and leave us speechless.  Think with me for a moment.  When we hear a symphony, an opera, a chorale or even a rock concert where the music is out of tune or the musicians can’t play their instrument well or the sound system is malfunctioning, enjoying the event can be very difficult.  And it most often does not leave us in awe of the genius and skill of the composer, musician and sound technicians.  However, when we go to the same events that are performed well, we often tell others how good it was and encourage the fame of the composer, musician, venue, etc. 

Therefore, God can be given glory when His works, His nature and His very name are sung with uncompromising skill and beauty.  As I sat in the 1524 stone cathedral enjoying Evensong, I realized that cathedrals were essentially built to magnify God’s name.  Their towering structures – grave, austere, solemn and strong – have drawn the attention of thousands of people from many different faiths ever since they were built and continue to draw people even today. 

Yes, God is glorified in many ways and is most pleased with a sincere and believing heart.  And I offer these thoughts, not to suggest that God is most glorified with great music and large churches, but to suggest that He is worthy of our public recognition.  That He is worthy of the time it takes us to skillfully develop a talent, whatever it might be, so that others will marvel and be drawn to His name.  He is worthy of our respect and our devotion.  May believers seek to practice the public proclamation of His good name and may God’s name truly be glorified in this age. 

Until next time, dear readers, may you be encouraged in the joy of the Lord.