Glory & Good Works

The following post is written by Richard Wilson, an elder at King's Church 1066 and volunteer blogger for Jubilee+

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As Christians our faith should always result in good works, but the foundation of these works must be something greater than the sum of their parts: the glory of God.

When we look around and ask ourselves about the needs in our community—whether it’s confronting injustice or offering mercy—we must first ask, How can we glorify God in this?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the needs we see. We may be small in number, or our resources might feel stretched. But before rushing to act, we need to pause and consider what should truly drive our efforts. Are we seeking to glorify God in what we do?

1 Peter 4:10-11 offers a helpful perspective:

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace... so that in all things God may be praised [glorified] through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

The focus here is clear: all our works must be for the glory of God. This extends not only to serving the church but also to reaching beyond it, caring for the world around us. In everything we do, the ultimate goal is that God is glorified.

A powerful example of this is 19th-century pastor George Mueller, best known for founding orphanages in Bristol that cared for over 10,000 children.

While meeting the needs of orphans was an important part of his work, Mueller’s first motivation wasn’t simply to provide physical care, but rather “...that God would be glorified...in it being seen that it is not in vain to trust Him.”*

For Mueller, the primary reason for his work was to display God’s glory by demonstrating how God could provide for those in need.

Mueller’s second concern was the spiritual welfare of the children, ensuring they had the opportunity to know Jesus. Only after these priorities did Mueller focus on the physical welfare of the children—feeding, clothing, and caring for them.

This order of priorities is striking. Mueller’s first focus was always that his work would glorify God, and only then did he consider meeting physical needs.

Jesus teaches this same principle in Matthew 5:16:

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

In all we do, our ultimate goal must be that others see God’s glory, not simply our efforts.

When we face overwhelming needs, it can be tempting to rush into action, thinking we are the ones responsible for meeting those needs. But before we act, we must ask: Are we seeking God’s glory first? Our works, no matter how noble, must flow from a desire to glorify God, not just solve problems.

Consider the example of William Wilberforce, who fought against the slave trade in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Although his battle was political in nature, Wilberforce’s driving force was the glory of God. His personal writings show that his motivation came from his deep faith.

Without a strong sense of glorifying God, Wilberforce would not have endured the opposition he faced from politicians and business interests. Yet, because he sought God’s glory first, he persevered, and legal slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire.

The same doctrine that drove Mueller and Wilberforce needs to drive us.

Our pursuit of justice and mercy must be deeply rooted in a desire for God’s glory, rather than social activism.

Jesus calls us to good works, but those works are meant to be tied to the Gospel. If we lose sight of the reason we serve, or how we are to serve, we risk growing weary, giving up, or pursuing the wrong things.

As Christians, we are not simply social workers or activists. Our purpose is far greater—we are here to glorify God; bringing His Kingdom to earth. Our works must flow from this ultimate calling.

Hannah Anderson writes:

“As image bearers of God, we are called to show the glory, the power, and the might of our King Jesus. Our deepest sense of purpose and identity is so bound up in this calling that everything about our lives—from the work we do, to the people we love, to the place we live—all somehow connect back to Him.”**

In all we do—whether it’s serving those in need, confronting injustice, or providing mercy—our ultimate goal must be to bring glory to God.

It is His glory that sustains us, His strength that empowers us, and His love that compels us to act.

If we seek first the glory of God, our works will have eternal significance, for we are proclaiming the greatness of the King of Glory to the world.

To God be the glory forever and ever!