On our recent tour, our teammate Doug was fond of the greeting “Gloria a Dios” (glory to God).
Even when he received a nasty gash on his leg from a stray piece of glass in a trash bag, he limped to our starting circle with a hearty Gloria a Dios.
I thought it was a great alternative to “How ya doing?” I liked being reminded of our shared commitment, but I found myself asking what might seem like an odd question.
Why should God care whether we glorify Him or not?
I don’t intend to be disrespectful. Quite the opposite—He’s God. Why does it matter to Him whether I even acknowledge Him, much less offer Him the glory for my meager efforts?
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)
This isn’t a new question for me. I suspect it bubbles to the surface when I’m feeling especially vulnerable or uncomfortable. I suppose a diminished sense of self-worth leads to the notion that my worship won’t matter to God.
Ever been there?
It’s a lie, of course, but I think I get the reasoning twisted around. Maybe you do as well.
It’s certainly true that God doesn’t need me to give Him glory. In fact, He doesn’t need anything from me, you, or anyone else. He’s God.
So why does it matter? The secret is in the second paragraph above—“I liked being reminded…”
Gloria a Dios isn’t for God’s benefit, it’s for mine. Each time Doug repeated the greeting I remembered my connection to the Creator, my dependence on Him. I remembered that the ride was about justice, and that we were letting God use us to set things right for a handful of kids.
God doesn’t need me to glorify Him, but He knows I’m more at peace, more aware, more grounded, when I do.
In the midst of a hectic week when it was so easy to lose focus, Doug’s greeting took me home. I’m grateful.
Gloria a Dios indeed!
Please leave a comment here.
Want to receive free updates?
Click below to get Bouncing Back
delivered directly to your inbox.
