You’ve heard it said that it is best to lead by example. As a Spirit-filled leader, glorify God through whatever position God has placed you in this season. Perhaps you are a leader in your home, in your workplace, or on a child’s sports team. Maybe you are walking with and leading someone through a difficult time. Wherever Jesus has positioned you at this moment, know how to glorify God in everything you do and lead well. Perhaps this is the moment for which you were created (Esther 4:14), so take the opportunity to glorify Him.
Bible Verses About Glorifying God
Here’s what the Bible says about glorifying and honoring God…
- Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
- Colossians 3:23
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men…”
- 1 Corinthians 6:20
“For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
- Revelation 4:11
“’You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created.’”
- Psalm 115:1
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth.”
- 1 Peter 4:11
“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
Glorify God in Everything by Being a Light in the Darkness
When we receive Jesus, we become temples of the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts (1 Corinthians 3:16). He supernaturally empowers us to fulfill whatever leadership role we have been placed in, which brings glory to God. Even when the world around us is dark, John 1:5 reminds us that the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it. Stand in this truth.
This doesn’t mean you have to do something extraordinary but rather live in a way that reflects Jesus’ love, character, integrity, humility, servanthood, and confidence. Live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Glorify God in everything by living as His ambassador in this broken world, being living proof of a loving God to a watching world.
- “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”—2 Corinthians 5:20
7 Ways to Glorify God in Leadership
As a leader, you want to encourage and motivate others in their relationship with Jesus. You want them to pursue and glorify God in everything they do. Spirit-filled leaders know that their strength comes from the Holy Spirit.
God seeks to lift up His name in all that you do. Lean into, rely on, and point others to Him, and He will be glorified through your position as a leader.
- Lead by example.
This seems obvious, but leading by example can be overlooked. It could be said that the rest of the ways listed below fall under the category of leading by example. If you want to see others spend time in God’s Word, you must spend time in the Word. If you want to see others share the gospel with others, you must share the gospel. So often, we can get wrapped up in leading with words only, but how we live—our actions—can impact the atmosphere around us. It all starts with our thoughts, so take your thoughts captive and give them to Jesus. Allow Him to work through you, leading by example.
“…casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…”
—2 Corinthians 10:5
- Walk in the fruit of the Spirit.
When we walk in the Spirit, there will be evidence of it. Leading others with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control brings glory and honor to God. It allows His Spirit to work through you, creating an environment where others can grow their faith, and stops the spread of conceit and envy.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
—Galatians 5:22-25
- Spend time in the Word of God.
Spending time in God’s Word is critical, but even more so for someone leading others. As you read the Bible, it begins to read you and will align your heart with God’s, equipping you with your purpose and calling as a leader.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
—Colossians 3:16
- Preach the gospel to yourself and others.
Perhaps you’ve heard it said, “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.” Sharing the gospel with others is part of the Great Commission. But don’t forget to preach it yourself too. As a leader, you can get distracted by many things, and situations can get complicated. Yet the gospel is simple. Remind yourself of the simple truth that Jesus’ sacrifice saved you, and by His Spirit, you can share the good news of salvation with others.
“For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
—1 Corinthians 2:2
- Be humble.
Pride is one of the ways Satan comes after leaders. He wants to steal the glory from God using the spirit of pride. Continually ask God to reveal any pride that tries to creep in. Ask Him to humble you sooner than later.
“And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
—Matthew 23:12
- Seek wise counsel.
To glorify God in everything and lead others well requires wise counsel. Wise leaders need collective wisdom. Effective leaders know they have blind spots and desire teachable hearts. Wise counsel protects leaders from pride and allows them to see past the circumstances they are facing.
“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”
—Proverbs 19:20-21
- See every opposition as an opportunity for growth.
You can expect opposition when you seek to glorify God in everything, especially leadership. The enemy will use every opportunity to steal God’s glory. But God’s Word reminds us that He has a good purpose in the trials, that they produce patience and help to make us complete, lacking nothing.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
—James 1:2-4
You Are a Leader Equipped for His Glory
In the Word, we find that God chose many who were not equipped in their own strength to lead others. Why? So when they succeeded in their call, He would get the glory.
He desires to make you the head, not the tail (Deuteronomy 28:13), leading others to and for Him wherever you are.
Make the most of every opportunity to glorify God and be filled with the Spirit, as this is His will (see Ephesians 5:16-18). When you trust in His ability to lead you, you can lead others according to His purposes.
Want to discover more about biblical leadership principles from God’s Word? Get our FREE Bible study, Biblical Leadership Principles: Learning from the Book of Acts.
