Christian Living

Let Us Labor To Promote The Glory Of God

by Brother Carlton 
04/03/25
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Let me take you back to a dusty battlefield in ancient Israel. There stood a boy—not yet grown into manhood—facing a towering giant with only a sling and the confidence of faith. David wasn’t seeking fame or praise. He said, “This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand… that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel” (1 Samuel 17:46). That was his reason. That was his mission. Not personal glory—but God’s.

Ah, beloved, what a motive! What a heart! If only we had more of that kind of spirit in our homes, our churches, and yes, even our pulpits today. Too often, men seek their own platform rather than God's praise. But we were not redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ to promote ourselves—we were bought with a price, that we might glorify God in our body and in our spirit, which are His (1 Corinthians 6:20).

Growing up in our small Baptist congregation, I remember singing with joy in my heart:

"To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life,an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in."

 

Those words weren’t just lyrics—they were a creed. A declaration. A compass for the Christian life. When we truly believe God has done great things, we want to reflect that glory in everything we do—our words, our work, our worship.

Dear friends, promoting the glory of God is not just for Sunday mornings. It is for every morning. Whatever we read should point us to God. Whatever our eyes behold should lift our thoughts heavenward. David said in Psalm 101:3, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.” I’ve always seen that as a warning about modern media—especially the television. How many hours are wasted in front of a box that pours out vanity, violence, and immorality? The eyes are the windows to the soul. If we fill them with filth, we cannot expect holiness to grow.

Paul exhorted us in Philippians 4:8 to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Can we say that about what we’re watching? About what we’re reading? If not, then we are not promoting God's glory—we're dimming it.

So then, how do we promote His glory?

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  By lifting Christ high in our conversations.



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  By working diligently and honestly, as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).



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  By bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2).



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  By refusing to gossip, cheat, or entertain ourselves with things that grieve the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30).



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  By speaking His Word and living it, so others see Christ in us.

Whether it’s building a business, raising a child, visiting the sick, or preaching a sermon—do it all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Even the hidden things matter. The widow who prays in secret. The father who teaches his children the Scriptures. The young person who says “no” to peer pressure. These quiet labors shine bright before the throne.

Now let me ask you, beloved: Are you laboring for God's glory or your own? Are your habits—your words, your reading, your viewing—bringing honor to Jesus or shame?

I say this not to condemn but to awaken. Let us return to that old chorus and mean it from the depths of our souls:

“O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!”

Let us resolve afresh today—while breath is in our lungs and strength in our limbs—to labor for that which is eternal. Let us build altars, not platforms. Let us preach Christ, not ourselves. Let us live so that when others look at us, they see through us and behold the glory of God.

And if no one ever knows your name—but they see Jesus in you—then your labor has not been in vain.

Amen

Brother Carlton ministers the gospel to the Los Angeles area. Formerly a Hollywood actor, SAG member, and property cleanup expert, he now spends most of his time studying the Scriptures and helping small businesses grow more profitably using world-class tactics and strategies. He also offers business coaching and inspirational speaking to help entrepreneurs and individuals achieve greater success. If you're a business owner looking to increase revenue, attract more customers, or need a dynamic speaker for your next event, contact Carlton at [email protected].  Put help in the subject line.