Where Did Glory Go?

Pictured above: Paula’s Grandmother, Mary Chamberlin, at her 80th birthday.

by Katie Harding on August 14, 2023

Two words that can be overlooked and undervalued in Scripture are the words so that. Anytime we see these two words in the teachings of Jesus, we must give weight to what comes next because it explains why we are to do what He said.

Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works AND give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16, NRSV). Throughout Scripture we often see this lived out. Usually when Jesus or others would perform a healing or another amazing act, people would glorify God — giving Him the praise for what happened in their presence.

I remember when my friend, Paula, told me about her grandmother being honored for her 80th birthday. She was one of the most saintly women I have ever met, so it was easy to imagine all the accolades that were showered upon her. Yet, when she stood up at the conclusion of the party to receive the honor that had been bestowed, she offered it instead to the Lord, “All glory to God for what He has done.” What she truly understood, like those in Scripture, was that the only reason she was able to accomplish what she did was because of the Lord. Therefore, He was the one to thank, to praise, to glorify.

So, a question that has been on my heart for a while is, “Where did glory go?” When did the shift in culture occur that we started, in most instances, glorifying man for his accomplishments instead of our Father in heaven? We often see others performing well or doing a good deed and we give them great praise and stop there. Not intentionally withholding glory of the Father, but habitually doing so. It’s become a habit to glorify people.

But as much as a habit can be made, a habit can be broken. As women of NorthStar, let us come together and begin to shift culture in another direction. Whenever we see someone’s light shine before others, let us stop and give glory to the Lord. Let us respond with phrases like, “I praise God for you,” or “I give God thanks for what you were able to do,” or as Paula’s grandmother said, “All glory to God.”

In the same way we often praise God in our prayers for what He’s done in our lives, let us praise Him publicly for what He’s doing in the lives of others. It might seem awkward at first as we begin a new habit, but we can do this. We may need to help one another along. No condemnation, but compassion for each other as we rekindle this practice of faith. Will you join with me in making this change?