All for the Glory of God

-Susan Mackert, director CEF Southern Nevada

One of the blessings of teaching children is that you must really know your stuff to be able to bring it down to their level. Last year we taught the memory verse 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” The lesson included a fun song video with motions for eating and drinking. The children soon had it memorized, and many were rewarded with a trip to the treasure box as a result!

But how do you teach the concept of glorifying God to a child? What exactly is glory anyway? Surely, we all desire that God be glorified and often mention it in our prayers but just how do we do it? And did the Apostle Paul really mean it when he said in WHATEVER you do? Is that even possible? We know the answer must be yes—God would never require something of us that we couldn’t do.

While reading a book by F.B. Meyer, I received a little insight. In his exposition of 1 Peter 4:11, he explained that “glory is the manifestation of the hidden attributes of God.” He went on to say, “God dwells in light which is so transcendent in its burning purity that no mortal eye could bear the blaze that enwraps His being. But if unknown, He would be forever unloved and unappreciated. How could men worship an inaccessible and unknown God?” I know. That’s a lot to digest! I had to read it a few times to really get it. Bottom line, Jesus came to earth—wrapped in human skin—to show us those attributes, and we began to love and worship the unseen God.

Like so many truths in the Bible, glorifying God is both simple and complex—easy enough for a child to understand yet inexhaustible in the depths of its meaning. We bring Him glory when we display His attributes for the world to see: when we love the unlovable, forgive those who hurt us, have peace during trials, and remain faithful when circumstances demand we give up. God is most glorified when we go through our days, by the power of His Spirit, looking like Him. God wants to be made known.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”