Why We Need to Give God the Glory

Why is it so important that we as believers give God the glory for the breakthroughs and accomplishments in our life?

This day in age we live in a self-absorbed, all about me society.  While it may be worse than it’s ever been in history, it certainly isn’t anything new.  The serpent was able to deceive Eve into eating the forbidden fruit because he said that if she did, she would be like God, knowing both good and evil.  She was convinced, hook, line, and sinker and things haven’t changed much.  We as a people love to be glorified, recognized, honored, congratulated, praised, and validated.  We turn ourselves into our own gods and worship accordingly.

Unfortunately we believers are just as susceptible to this behavior as unbelievers are.

Pride.

Oh, what a deadly sin it is.

Pride.

We are just pawns in it’s twisted game.

Our eyes shift to ourselves instead of staying focused on Jesus.

Boasting in the Lord

In 2 Corinthians 10 Apostle Paul rebukes some of those who were in the church of Corinth who were boasting about their own personal accomplishments.  They were boasting about themselves.

“Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are!  But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement.  How ignorant!”
2 Corinthians 10: 12

Each one of us can tally up a list of what we are doing but what good is it if we create that list to impress man? We take the glory that belongs to God and selfishly make it about our own efforts.  We are stealing what rightfully belongs to Him.

“As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”  When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much.  The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.”
2 Corinthians 10: 17-18

I imagine that these men  were probably bragging about things that never originated with them in the first place for all good things come from the Lord.  They thought a little too highly of themselves and it led to them being disciplined.  This however is an example for us just like the rest of scripture is.  We have to learn from their mistakes.

I stop and think about how many times I have desired recognition for my “good deeds” or inadvertently stolen the praise that belonged to God.  It hurts my heart to think about how many times I have let pride creep into my life.  I thank God that He is so merciful and able to change us to be more like Him.

King Herod’s Example

Herod Agrippa was the King of Judea in a time shortly after Jesus’ crucifixion.  He persecuted believers in the church and had the Apostle James executed and Peter arrested.  He placed himself upon a pedestal and most likely thought that he was above all others, even God.  The joke was on him though because Peter escaped from prison with the Lord’s help.  Not only that but Herod Agrippa died a horrible death because he made the mistake of not giving God the glory.

“Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon.  So they sent a delegation to make peace with him because their cities were dependent upon Herod’s country for food.  The delegates won the support of Blastus, Herod’s personal assistant, and an appointment with Herod was granted.  When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them.  The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!”  Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God.  So he was consumed with worms and died.”
Acts 12: 21-23

Herod’s position did not save him and his royal robes were of no help.

He accepted the worship of the people instead of correcting them.  Herod’s pride and arrogance killed him.

Giving God the Glory

So now here we are 2000 years later and in danger of committing the very same acts.  We run the risk of accepting God’s grace and then taking the credit for His glory.  Yet, God knows this and warns us like a good Father does.  God did not save us so that we will be rich, famous, or glorified on earth.  He saved us so that we would share His good news.  He gave us this gift of eternal salvation so that one day we will share His glory in Heaven.

“This is what the LORD says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the LORD, have spoken!”
Jeremiah 9: 23-24

Although there is no denying the anointing that Believers have in their gifting and calling – His word is clear…ALL the glory belongs to GOD.

Blessings to you,