Another theme in John 17 is bringing glory to God, which essentially is directing someone’s attention to something great about God.
Read those verses again:
After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you."
I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. [5] And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.
All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them.
Now read 1 Peter 2:11-12 (NIV):
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. [12] Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
How do we glorify God?
How might we hide the glory of God?
Read Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV):
Do everything without complaining or arguing, [15] so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe [16] as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.
How are we to stand out from the world?
We bring glory to God when we live our lives above reproach, which makes us stand out in the world.
When was the last time someone asked you why you were different, or why you do what you do?
Are you praying for those opportunities?
Do you know what you would say in response?
Is anything in your life hiding the glory of God?
Are you doing things that make you blend in with the world?
Pray about this right now. Pray for opportunities to share. Pray for the words to speak. Pray for the courage to stand out for Christ in the world like a bright star in the blackest of space (Philippians 2:15).
Digging Deeper is a series of daily devotions based on Sunday's sermon at NorthStar. Click HERE to listen to the message "United by God's Love" or other messages.
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