The topic of glorifying God is not just important, it’s foundational, especially for those who are new in their walk with Christ. To glorify God is at the very heart of our relationship with Him. It shapes how we see Him, how we respond to Him, and how we live our lives.
First, it’s essential to understand that God is glory in Himself. He doesn’t need humanity to glorify Him in order to be glorious. He is eternally sufficient, eternally majestic, and eternally full of splendor. The act of glorifying God doesn’t add to or diminish His glory, it’s simply our natural response to the revelation of who He already is.
God has never needed validation from man, nor does He share His glory with anyone. As Isaiah 42:8 says, “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” He is complete and all-sufficient.
To glorify God is to recognize, reflect, and respond to His greatness – not to improve or boost His status.
Now, here’s a powerful truth: The only way we can truly understand or express the glory of God is when His glory lives within us—through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God is the One who makes known the character, majesty, and power of God to us. Without Him, we cannot comprehend the depths of God’s glory, let alone live in a way that reflects it.
The psalmist declares in Psalm 24:7
“Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be lifted up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.”
God is the King of Glory. It is not just a title, it’s His nature. Strength, majesty, victory, holiness, beauty – all wrapped into one divine name.
This is the foundation of understanding God’s glory. And when this foundation is laid in our hearts, it transforms how we live, worship, serve, and speak.
To glorify God is not something we simply wait to “feel led” to do. It is a posture of the heart and a decision of the will.
So then, how do we glorify God;
Love Him
To love God, not out of obligation, not because we want something in return, but because we’ve come to know how deeply He loves us. When love becomes our natural response, it overflows from a heart that has been touched and transformed by His grace.
So often, we approach God like He’s a vending machine for blessings, asking Him to protect us, provide for us, or guide us, doing so with a transactional mindset. We treat our prayers and worship as duties, forgetting that genuine love doesn’t flow from obligation, it flows from revelation.
When we truly understand who God is and how much God loves us, something shifts. Our heart responds to His love not with a checklist, but with surrender. we begin to love Him back not because we’re afraid of what might happen if we don’t, but because we can’t help it.
I remember one night, my husband and I were watching a documentary about a Kenyan couple whose marriage fell apart after they tragically lost their child. In the midst of their pain, confusion, and likely overwhelming pressure, the wife poured sulphuric acid on her husband’s face and then fled. His face was severely burned, and he lost his sight completely, his eyes closed permanently.
That scene shook me. It wasn’t just the physical pain or the heartbreak, it reminded me of how real, how devastating hell can be. And in that moment, I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude, not fear. I thought, oh my God, thank You. You saved me not just from physical harm, but from eternal separation, from a fire that never ends. Not because I deserved it, but because of you love me.
I didn’t respond with fear, thinking, “Oh, I better love God or I might end up like that.” No. I was moved to whisper worship, to pour out praise, because I was reminded of the depth of His love for a girl like me, broken, ordinary, and yet fully seen and chosen. That’s the power of God’s love: it draws out worship, not worry; devotion, not dread.
There’s no clearer picture of this love than the cross. Jesus took the weight of my sin and punishment upon Himself, so we could be free. And that freedom invites us to love Him in return.
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
—1 John 4:18
Glorifying God is when you respond naturally to God’s love with love.
Obey Him
When we love God deeply, obeying Him becomes our natural rhythm. It’s no longer a chore, it is our joy.
Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey me.” (John 14:15). This isn’t just a command, it’s a love invitation. Obedience isn’t about legalism or fear of punishment. It’s about alignment. It’s how we say, “God, I trust You. I believe You know what’s best for me.”
I still remember the first time I heard someone say, “God’s love language is obedience.” It was about six years ago, and I had just started reading The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. I was fascinated by the idea that people express and receive love differently through words, acts, gifts, time, and touch. But then, this new thought hit me: God has a love language too. And it’s obedience.
That struck me deeply. God isn’t moved just by our words of affection. He delights when our actions reflect trust and love. Not because we’re trying to impress Him, but because we believe Him.
The Bible is filled with instructions, not to control us, but to guide us into the life He designed for us. When we truly love someone, we naturally care about what matters to them. That’s how obedience works with God. It’s not about checking off religious boxes; it’s about walking in step with the One we love.
So love Him, and let that love lead you to obey Him. As a son or daughter who knows they are cherished.
Conclusion
1 Corinthians 6:20 “For you were bought with a price, so glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”