The Bible often speaks about God’s glory, as well as our purpose of glorifying God. But what does that mean? How can you and I glorify God? Well, let’s consider Jesus and what He did to glorify the Father. In John 17:4, Jesus says, “I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do.”[1]
Sometimes we simplify glorification down to praise. Singing and ascribing praise to God is certainly one way we glorify Him, but Jesus’ prayer demonstrates that glorifying God is deeper than just verbal praise. Glorifying God involves action—Jesus was given a work to do by God, and completing that work glorified the Father. Likewise, you and I glorify God when we do the work God has given us. If we verbally praise Him but then disobey God or neglect His Word, then we don’t truly glorify Him. So, if we wish to honor God, then let us complete the work He has given us to do.
[1] NRSV