I remember a commercial quite a while ago where the actor was asked for help and he responded: “What’s my motivation? What will it do for me?” In other words, he was more interested in what he could get out of the situation versus how could he help. In Acts 20:35, the Apostle Paul echoed the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, who said: “‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The Greek word for blessed is multifaceted. It means: supremely fortunate, happier, Part of the nature of being blessed is that it is of the highest good.” So Jesus revealed that is is more blessed, (more fortunate, happier, it is of the highest good) to give than to receive. Consider how happy we are when we give gifts to our children or to a loved one. I don’t know who is happier; the one receiving the gift, or the one who has given the gift? I remember on Christmas Day, I would be so excited to see my children open their gifts. I could hardly contain myself! As the giver, it gave me great joy to give something to my loved ones that I knew was going to make them happy! In actuality, mankind is at his highest joy when he/she is helping others. Part of our DNA is to give to others. God is the greatest giver. He gave us the greatest gift on the cross! Reject this culture of selfishness and become a great giver. Give love, joy, grace, patience, kind words, forgiveness, revelation, affirmation, help among other things. Remember: it is more blessed to give than to receive!
What is “Glory?”
The word or term “glory” is often misunderstood. Many use it as part of their worship language. Some will say “glory to God” as a form of respect to the Almighty. But I find that many do not understand what glory is when they are asked. In the Old Testament scriptures, glory is the word “Kabod” which means: honor, great quantity, wealth, reputation, majesty, splendor. When we say “glory to God.” we are ascribing to Him the fact that He is worthy to receive the highest honor. His vast wealth is infinite. His reputation is perfect and to be praised above all. His majesty (dignity, magnificence, grandeur, splendor, regality and awe) is of the highest order. There are various ways that we put God’s glory on display: When we pray, we highlight His faithfulness and love. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble and I will rescue you and you will glorify me” (Psalm 50:15). When we give thanks, we are displaying that He is the giver of every good and perfect gift. “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies Me.” (Psalm 50:23). When we produce fruit, we are sharing by extension His love to humanity. “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:8). When we forgive others, we express God’s awesome love, kindness and mercy which was expressed on the cross. “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). There are so many other ways that we can bring Him glory. So remember, as we reflect His majesty and grace in our daily actions, He is glorified. So take out time throughout the day to give Him glory! He is definitely worthy!
Psalm 96:8 “Give to the Lord the glory due His name; Bring an offering, and come into His courts.”
