The Glory of God is Humility (and what that means for Christians)

What does it mean to glorify God? What is God's glory?

We see a glimpse of God's glory in the birth of Jesus. 

Luke 2:8 (NSRV) In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

Notice the descriptors - "shone" "they were terrified" "a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." God's glory is both shiny, intimidating, and humble as pictured in a newborn baby lying in an animal feeding trough. It is difficult for us to understand as humans. The greek word, δόξα (doxa), is the word used in the New Testament for glory. According to Mounce, the definition is: a seeming; appearance; a notion, imagination, opinion; the opinion which obtains respecting one; reputation, credit, honor, glory; in NT honorable consideration, majesty, and dignity. Even in the lowly position of a baby laying in a manger, we see God's majesty, dignity, and light. 

What an amazing word picture. 

I have often thought of God's glory as power, wealth, and success. Perhaps you have thought this, too. I struggle to know if that was my own assumption about glory, or if I had been taught to think of it that way. But in scripture we see God's glory as humbleness and light. 

Philippians 2:1-4 (NSRV): 2 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5 Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

6 who, though he was in the form of God,

did not regard equality with God

as something to be exploited,

7 but emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave,

being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form,

8 he humbled himself

and became obedient to the point of death—

even death on a cross.

9 Therefore God also highly exalted him

and gave him the name

that is above every name,

10 so that at the name of Jesus

every knee should bend,

in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.

What we do not understand is that when Jesus was executed on the cross, it was the most humiliating form of torture that the Romans used. He wasn't lifted high in the air in his "underwear" like we see depicted in movies and Sunday School artwork - he died at eye level, completely naked, and disfigured and bloodied from his beatings. In the eyes of his culture, Jesus was weakest of weak. He was a complete loser. The cross was completely dishonoring and humiliating. Paul, unlike us, understood this humility (glory). His writings are full of admonitions like this:

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT) So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. 33 I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

Calling to all Christians everywhere: If you take pride in offending people, you are not doing right. 

Pick any "culture war" issue.

Our job as Christians is not to offend. Our job is to serve. Our job is not to defend the God to whom all Glory belongs. Our work is to be salt and light. Our job is to preserve the dignity and majesty of the "lowly." Our work is to humble ourselves for the Glory of God.

Perhaps this is the hardest work of all.

More resources: 

MOUNCE

Peter Enns podcast discussing the cross