Good Works for God

As Christians we are expected to do good for the glory of God. We are also told to be humble. The two ideas sometimes conflict when we are in public. If we do good in public, then people will congratulate and honor us. That is bad for our humility. If we refuse to do good in public, in the name of our humility, then we are in direct conflict with God’s commandments.

The Lord said to his disciples, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5.14-19

There you have it! Christ commands us to do good IN PUBLIC! Now, all we have to do, is come to terms with our humility. One way to remain humble is to give God the glory, which is also part of today’s commandment. If we do good in public so we can receive honors, shame on us. Our duty as Christians is to give ALL glory to God.

It begins with our hearts. When we do good in public, and naturally receive accolades in public, we shift the glory to God. It is better to say, “Glory to God,” rather than to say, “Thank you.” Believe it or not, saying thank you accepts that we are the cause of the good thing rather than God. Since it was to give God glory, give it to Him and refuse it for yourself.

This week I have a challenge for all Be Transfigured fans. Every time you receive a compliment, rather than saying thank you, give glory to God. It will feel strange at first to not say thank you, and you may be forced to give glory to God multiple times, as people will do their best to get you to say thank you, but I invite you to fight the temptation.

It isn’t that we shouldn’t be thankful. We should always be thankful, but if we are doing good for God, then why should we thank those who compliment us? Trust me on this one. It will go a long way to building up our humility. If people ask why you give glory to God, tell them, “God deserves the thanks, not me.”