And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.1
We may dissect this verse into 3 parts: One, a personal God; two, a faith declaration; three, the glory in Christ Jesus. Just as architects begin with the end in sight, let us delve first on our objective—the glory due Christ Jesus!
What does it mean to glorify Jesus? Why must we glorify him? How do we glorify him?
If used as a noun, glory means a high renown or honor won by notable achievements; as a verb, to take great pride or pleasure in.2 Glory is used to describe the manifestation of God’s presence as perceived by humans according to the Abrahamic religions.3
How do you glorify Jesus? Definitely, individually and at different seasons we may glorify Jesus. A student glorifies Jesus by being the best that he can be as a student. An employee or employer may give glory to Jesus through the work that they do. A businessman, a professional, a government servant, a service provider, likewise. As each flourishes, grows, and bears fruit, people marvel. So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.4
Jesus Christ himself said, I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.5 In light of this verse, what work assignment have you been given? As a husband,6 what is your task? As a wife,7 what is your role? Note, God is a god of order.8 If you are a parent, do you understand the responsibility that God graciously grants you in the formation of his children and a family that glorifies God?9 Accomplishing the work assigned you—each part of the body has many functions10—brings glory to our Creator.
Although each of us have our specific assignment, ultimately, ALL Christians are commanded to GO and make disciples of all nations . . . with a conditional promise that the Lord Christ Jesus will be with you always, to the end of the age.11
As we obey and step out in faith, regardless of our present circumstance, bearing fruit, ultimately we fulfill Jesus’ prayer to the Father, And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.12
Notes:
1. Philippians 4:19
2. Oxford dictionary
3. Wikipedia
4. 1 Corinthians 10:31
5. John 17:4
6. Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7
7. Genesis 2:18; Proverbs 31:10-31; Ephesians 5:22-24; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1-6
8. 1 Corinthians 14:33
9. Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Ephesians 6:4; Colossians 3:21
10. Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
11. Matthew 28:18-20
12. John 17:5
