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“And they were glorifying God because of me.” Galatians 1:24

Let’s face it, people talk about other people. We gush over celebrities, comment on who’s doing what around us (and how they’re doing it), and we express disdain when we witness someone doing what we call evil. And although gossiping is clearly defined as a sin in God’s eyes (Psalm 101:5; Romans 1:29; 1 Timothy 5:13), we Christians are guilty of doing it…even sometimes under the guise of a “prayer request” on behalf of another.

Yep, people talk. But we’re not going to address the negatives of using our tongue for slander and gossip—not this time, anyway. The fact is that every word we utter and every action we take combine to establish our reputation. This is true whether it’s a one-off interaction with someone at Walmart, or within a decades-long friendship. But we’re not even going to dive into how we must be motivated by what God, not other people, thinks of us—this, too, is a whole other sermonette (Galatians 1:10). Instead, let’s look at what people are saying about us…or rather, what they say about God because of us.

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to be salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16; Ephesians 5:8). And by doing so, in word and action, we are to glorify God. Eating, drinking, working—everything! All for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 6:20; 10:31)! But as Jesus clearly states in Matthew’s gospel (5:16): We shine before others so that they give glory to our Father in heaven. Or, as the Apostle shoots it straight: “And they were glorifying God because of me” (Galatians 1:24).

This is what the Christian life is all about, isn’t it? Giving God glory. But it’s also about ensuring that you and I live life so that others will glorify God because of us—our words, actions, and attitudes. So, let’s search ourselves, shall we? In the past week (or day even), how have we been responding to challenges, pain, and disappointment? How have our interactions with others gone, especially with those whom we disagree (or drive differently from)? Attitude check: Have we been complaining, arguing, griping? And, yes, how have we been wagging our tongues about others?

There’s so much division and anger and hatred fomenting today. Lies, fake news, social media vitriol. Not to mention, a whole lot of self-glorification. But, friend, within this darkness lies ample opportunity to shine. To do all things, always and only, for the pleasure of God and to magnify His glory…and to invite others to do the same. Because it just takes a tiny spark of light to chase away the darkness.

So, let’s commit to making a reputation for ourselves. To give off a sweet-smelling aroma and the warm light of love and grace, so that we leave people talking. Not talking about us, though…instead, let’s leave them amazed at the loving, grace-giving Lord we serve.

“Lord, I will not fear (or care about) what people have to say about me—You are my Audience of One. And may I walk closely enough to you in this life that, like the Apostle Paul, others glorify you because of me.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life