Glory to God

Yesterday, after my Bible Study Fellowship discussion group dismissed, one of my group members made it a point to tell me that she had noticed a change in me regarding something I’ve been asking for prayer about since October. She said that I seemed much more peaceful now and was commending me on it—that it was obvious I was giving it to the Lord. She said I had seemed more burdened at the beginning, but now my peace was obvious. I thanked her, of course, for sharing this observation with me.

What I took away from that short exchange was not only a closer bond with that sister in my group but that my faith had grown.

What my fellow BSF-er’s comments did for me was to spur me on. She hadn’t praised me for my human qualities or abilities—but for setting my eyes on Jesus and trusting in Him. When we commend others in similar fashion, it strengthens them in their spirits. Certainly it’s Biblical and beneficial to point out a job well done or to thank someone for being kind, thoughtful, or helpful—but when we point out others’ “good deeds,” noting the fruit we see—it points them to Christ. For it’s His nature and the power of the Holy Spirit working in us to accomplish these things. The reminder of His work in us is a way in which we “… spur one another on towards love and good deeds,…” (Hebrews 10:24b).

When we obey God and are sensitive to His Spirit, we feel an inner sense of reward for having pleased our Father. When others benefit from our pursuit of God and obedience to Him—and take the time to tell us—the important thing to remember is to give the glory right back to Him. As Matt Redman’s song says, “Every blessing you pour out I’ll turn back to praise.” Sometimes He’s pouring out His blessing through us. But the glory still belongs to Him, from whose hand comes every good thing.