God isn’t selfish. He isn’t vain or conceited. But He is God: Creator and sustainer of all, all-powerful, all-knowing, and ultimately holy. And He does know what He’s doing.
God works for what is good. No ulterior motives, no selfish ends, no cruelties couched behind fake smiles. God truly works for the good of all. His purposes are totally pure. He’s the only one we can trust that way.
Every now and then God gives a visible representation of His glory, this absolutely pure goodness. Whenever we look at something that makes us think of God or give Him credit or thank Him or praise Him, that thing has given Him glory. Whenever we treat a person with the pure good that God expresses, that action has given God glory. You’ve seen God’s glory in a sunset, in a mountain range, in the ocean, in a baby’s laugh, in words from a friend, in a photograph, and more.
“All things were created through Him and for Him” (Col. 1:16). Revelation 4:11 puts it this way: “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.”
Since we people were created in His image (Gen. 1:26, 27), we are especially purposed to glorify Him, to bring positive attention to Him. Peter said, “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9).
