The verse Psalm 115:1 says “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” This verse teaches an important principle – that glory should be given to God alone and not to ourselves. Here are some key reasons why glory should not be unto us but only to God:
1. Everything good comes from God
The Bible teaches that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17). We have nothing that we did not first receive from God. All our talents, resources, wisdom and abilities originate from Him. He is the giver of life and the sustainer of all things. Since He is the source of all blessings, glory belongs to Him alone.
As humans, we often take credit for what we have achieved and get puffed up with pride over our accomplishments. However, we need to realize that even our ability to work hard and be successful comes from God’s enablement. We must guard our hearts against pride and arrogance by acknowledging God as the ultimate source of all we have.
2. We are completely dependent on God
Not only is God the initial giver of all things, but we are also completely dependent on Him for our continued existence. He upholds all things by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). We owe every breath we take to Him. Without His sustaining grace, we would cease to exist.
Our life is but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14). We are finite, limited and helpless without God. We cannot control our lifespan, health, circumstances or ability to draw the next breath. Our utter and absolute dependence on God should remind us to give Him all glory.
3. God alone is perfect and worthy of glory
Human beings are deeply flawed and sinful. Even at our best, we fall far short of God’s perfect righteousness. There is none righteous, no not one (Romans 3:10). But God is perfectly holy, just, pure, wise and loving. Only He is worthy of glory, honor, praise and worship.
When humans receive glory, it often fuels pride and self-exaltation. But when God receives glory, it recognizes the beauty of His perfect character. His glory reflects His intrinsic divine worth. As finite creatures stained by sin, we must ascribe all glory to Him alone.
4. We will be judged for stealing God’s glory
The Bible warns that God will not share His glory with another (Isaiah 42:8). He is a jealous God and will not tolerate His glory being given to idols. Humans were created for the express purpose of glorifying God, but we often try to steal His glory.
Those who take pride in themselves and fail to give God glory will be judged. Nebuchadnezzar learned this lesson when he was judged for his pride until he acknowledged that God rules over all and is worthy of glory (Daniel 4:28-34). We too must humble ourselves and repent of robbing God of the glory due His name.
5. Christ sacrificed Himself so that we may glorify God
The ultimate reason glory belongs to God alone is because of Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. 2 Corinthians 5:15 says that Christ died for all so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him. All our praise and adoration must now be channeled toward the One who purchased us with His own blood.
As those reconciled to God by Christ’s death, we are not our own. Our lives are not meant for self-glorification but for the glory of God. We glorify Him by recognizing that we owe everything to His grace shown to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
6. We are commanded to give God glory
The Bible contains repeated commands to glorify God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we must do all for God’s glory. 1 Peter 4:11 says to speak and serve so that in all things God may be praised.
Revelation 14:7 commands us to fear God and give Him glory. Refusing to give Him glory is therefore an act of disobedience against His express commands. As His servants, we must obey His Word by ensuring He receives all the honor, praise and glory in everything we do.
7. Giving glory to God leads to blessings
Humility is a prerequisite for blessing from God. When we boast in ourselves, we miss out on His grace and empowerment. But when we give Him the glory, He promises to lift us up (James 4:10). Lifting our eyes off ourselves and unto the Lord leads to the fullness of joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11).
Giving glory to God requires humility, surrender and an acknowledgement of our desperate need for Him. But this posture results in God pouring out His limitless blessings upon us. We glory in His all-sufficiency as we give Him all the glory.
8. It results in the spread of the Gospel
When the church gives glory to God, it points the world to Christ. Unbelievers observe our God-centered worship and become curious about this Jesus whom we adore. Our lives and worship declare that He alone is wonderful, glorious and worthy of all praise.
This stands in stark contrast to the self-centered lives most people lead. The glory of God in our lives testifies that the Gospel grants freedom from seeking our own glory. It offers hope and meaning that transcends all human pride.
9. It is the eternal occupation of heaven
Giving glory to God does not end with this earthly life. The eternal occupation of believers will be to enjoy the glory of God and glorify Him without end. Revelation 15:2-4 pictures the redeemed glorifying God with their worship for all eternity.
As heaven-bound citizens, we must begin now to practice what will be our endless delight. Our eternal life will be centered on magnifying the glory of our God. May we eagerly give Him all the glory as a foretaste of our eternal calling.
10. It results in God’s glory covering the earth
God’s ultimate purpose is that the knowledge of His glory will cover the earth like the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14). By giving Him glory now, we play a part in seeing this purpose fulfilled. As the church glorifies Christ, His fame spreads till the earth is filled with His glory.
One day every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:11). Giving glory to God now hastens the day when His glory will indeed cover the whole earth.
In summary, glory belongs to God alone because He is the giver of all things, He is inherently worthy, we are utterly dependent on Him, we are commanded to glorify Him, and glorifying Him leads to untold blessings now and for eternity. Our lives must be centered around bringing glory to our Creator and Redeemer as an act of love, obedience and gratitude to Him.