Ephesians 1:7-14

“In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance…so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.” vss. 11a, 12

Occasionally we will encounter believers who regularly use a phrase like “all glory to God,” in order to indicate that what they have done is not a credit to themselves but to the One whom they serve. Johan Sebastion Bach, the great classical composer, wrote “To God be the glory,” as the dedication on every piece of music he published. And he wasn’t the only one to feel this way! From the very beginning believers have been encouraged to give all the glory to God as a witness to their faith and devotion. It’s strange then that so many are reluctant to use these words as a part of their testimony. In fact some are even put off by athletes who begin their post-event interviews by saying, “All glory be to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Maybe they think such persons are practicing their piety before others, in order to be acclaimed by them, something Jesus warned his disciples against in the Sermon on the Mount. Who knows! But isn’t it more than a little sad that we can’t bring ourselves to show others that we are living for the sake of Christ’s glory by saying the words out loud. It’s sure better than the “God damns” or “Jesus Christs” that so regularly pass through our lips! Are we really that ashamed of our faith?

Thought for the Day: Why am I reluctant to say, “Glory be to God”?