That the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:12
One of the catechisms used by the Anglican church, and some Presbyterian churches as well, is called the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The first question asked in this catechism is an important one: ‘What is the chief end of man?’ What this question is asking is the main purpose for which God made mankind. The correct answer to this question, according to the catechism, is ‘Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever’. I don’t know much about catechisms, but that question and its answer hit the mark squarely. God’s greatest desire for us is to glorify Him. And we can rise to no higher height than to bring glory to God. No purpose is more rewarding, more fulfilling and more exciting. God is especially interested in bringing glory to the Name of His Son. That is why in our text today, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his desire that they would bring glory to that Name. How do we do that?
It is possible to bring glory to God by our behaviour. Consider the words of 1 Corinthians 10:31: ‘Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God’. All of the behaviour of an obedient and thankful Christian is honouring to our Saviour. Conversely, a Christian whose life is in spiritual disarray through ungodly habits and actions will bring shame to the Name of the Lord. Matthew 5:16 tells us: ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven’.
We also glorify God with our words. The language of the world is filled with that which is disgraceful to God, and blasphemy is never far from the lips of many of the unredeemed. In contrast, the Christian keeps his conversation honourable and pure, speaking truth and words of kindness and blessing. God is glorified when His children speak as the Lord Jesus would speak.
We also glorify God in our worship. Whether in public gatherings of the Lord’s people or in the meditations of our closets, the heart of the saints will burst forth in praise and adoration and appreciation to our Lord, and God appreciates that. Psalm 29:1,2 tell us: ‘Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His Name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness’.
Our faith is also a means to glorify our Lord. This was true of Abraham, as we read in Romans 4:20: ‘He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God’. May that be true of us.
The Name of our Lord Jesus Christ can and will be glorified in us, if we honour Him in our works, our words, our worship, and our faith. -Jim MacIntosh