The other day, I was having lunch with a bunch of friends and during the conversation, one of my friends said that she had run into my son at the grocery store. She told everyone at my end of the table how polite he had been. She spent about 5 minutes saying wonderful things about my kid to everyone. Those 5 minutes made my day. My heart was filled with pride and it gave me a great deal of joy that I am his mother. Hearing compliments about your kids goes far, but hearing someone tell other people how great your kid is goes a great deal farther.
Have you ever been in a situation where people praise and applaud someone else’s child? Have you listened to an adult sing about the merits of an excellent student or athlete or Good Samaritan? Can you imagine the heart swell the child’s parent would receive if she were able to eavesdrop on that complimentary conversation? I’m happy to imagine it. I would be over the moon if I were on aisle 4 of Kroger and could hear a group of ladies enthusiastically listing and agreeing upon the many merits of the Nelson kids. I’m getting a kick out of this daydream right now.
I am faithful about praying for my kids. I am confident that God hears my prayers and is capable of handling every petition I place before His throne. I have a pattern in my prayer life of wrapping up each request with the phrase “If it will bring you glory”. I pray, “Dear God, Please bless Bess’s relationship with X and allow it to grow… Please give David an irresistible passion for football… Please encourage Catey with success in her new project…. Please give M2 clarity as she takes her exam… if it will bring you glory.” I want to want what God knows is best for each of my children, but I also want my plans for them to be plans that He is pleased to grant. I think that if He answers “Yes” to my requests then these things must somehow glorify Him.
Here’s the deal folks: We were created for God’s glory. Sometimes He chooses to use us in circumstances to glorify Himself. He can receive glory in the end zone when a football player uses his skill to score a touchdown. He can receive glory when an “A” is penned on an Algebra exam. He can receive glory through relationships and jobs well done, but without a shadow of doubt, He DOES receive glory when we tell people how wonderful His son is.
We glorify the Lord when we talk about Jesus. Jesus has done so much for you and for me. He is so perfect and patient and forgiving and strong and kind and fun and beautiful. When God the Father hears me telling a friend or neighbor or stranger how excellent His son is, God gets the joy and glory and crown. We don’t have to wonder how to glorify God. It is just so simple: talk about his son! You don’t have to have a lot of gifts, skill, or talent. Just use what you have. This is why you were created.
When I was an awkward teenager, I remember seeing a poster that said, “Witness at all times and when absolutely necessary, use words.” I appreciated the thought as actually telling people about Jesus seemed preachy and invasive, but now that I have grown into an awkward adult, I see the power and necessity of words.
In my entire life, I have never had someone approach me and ask me why do I appear so joyful or peaceful. If they had, I would have happily told them about Jesus.
You and I don’t need to (and frankly shouldn’t) wait for others to ask us about our faith. We don’t hesitate to compliment our kids or the excellence of other people’s kids. Why then are we so hesitant to talk about the excellence of God’s perfect son? God does not need us to glorify Himself. He is perfectly radiant without our help. How incredible is it though, that we are invited to contribute to the awesomeness of bringing God glory?
You were created for God’s will and His glory. Get to it. It’s time to start talking about Jesus.
“I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness,
And will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” Psalm 7:17 (NKJV)
“For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.” Romans 11:36 (NVJV)
“You are worthy, O Lord,[a]
To receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things,
And by Your will they exist[b] and were created.”
Revelation 4:11 (NKJV)