Living for God’s Glory in Every Moment
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Reflections on Chapter Seven of The Purpose Driven Life
There’s a simplicity in the opening of Chapter Seven “It’s all for Him.” These four words capture the essence of our entire existence and purpose. Warren begins with two powerful verses that frame everything: “Everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory” (Romans 11:36) and “The LORD has made everything for his own purposes” (Proverbs 16:4) This isn’t just theological theory- it’s the fundamental reality that should shape every moment of our lives.
Understanding God’s Glory
Warren helps us grasp what might seem like an abstract concept by defining God’s glory in concrete terms. “What is the glory of God?” he asks, then provides this beautiful explanation “ It is who God is. It is the essence of his nature, the weight of his importance, the radiance of his splendor, the demonstration of his power, and the atmosphere of his presence.”
God’s glory isn’t something separate from Him- it’s the expression of His goodness and all His intrinsic, eternal qualities. This glory has been revealed throughout history: first in Eden’s garden, then to Moses, in the tabernacle and temple, through Jesus, and now through the church. Scripture describes it as “a consuming fire, a cloud, thunder, smoke, and a brilliant light,” but Warren reminds us that “God’s glory is best seen in Jesus Christ”
This revelation through Christ changes everything for us. “Because of Jesus, we are no longer in the dark about what God is really like.” writes Warren. The Bible declares “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3), and “The Word became human, and lived among us. We saw his glory… a glory full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
Our Response to God’s Glory
While God reveals his glory through creation- “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1)- we have a unique role as human beings. Warren explains that we are commanded to “recognize his glory, honor his glory, declare his glory, praise his glory, reflect his glory, and live for his glory.” This isn’t optional; it’s our fundamental purpose.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Warren points out that “All sin, at its root, is failing to give God glory. It is loving anything else more than God.” Romans 3:23 reminds us also that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” But the flip side is equally as powerful: “Living for God’s glory is the greatest achievement we can accomplish with our lives.” God declares, “They are my own people, and I created them to bring me glory” (Isaiah 43:7).
Five Ways to Bring Glory to God
Warren outlines five practical ways we can fulfill our purpose of glorifying God, each offering concrete steps for daily living.
Enjoying God:
Worship is our first responsibility, but Warren expands our understanding beyond Sunday services. “Worship is far more than praising, sinsing, and praying to God. Worship is a lifestyle of enjoying God, loving him, and giving ourselves to be used for his purposes.”
C.S. Lewis captured this notion wonderfully: “In commanding us to glorify him, God is inviting us to enjoy him.” John Piper adds, “ God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him.” This means worship becomes a daily practice of finding our deepest satisfaction in God, using our whole body “as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God” (Romans 6:13).
Loving Other Believers
When we’re born again, we join God’s family, and family relationships matter. “Following Christ is not just a matter of believing; it also includes belonging and learning to love the family of God.” This love isn’t merely emotional- it’s evidence of spiritual life: “Our love for each other proves that we have gone from death to life” (1 John 3:14)
Jesus made this love a defining characteristic of discipleship: “As I have loved you so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). When we “accept each other just as Christ has accepted you; then God will be glorified” (Romans 15:7).
Becoming Like Christ
Spiritual maturity means “becoming like Jesus in the way we think, feel, and act.” This transformation isn’t something we accomplish through willpower alone. “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The goal is to be “always filled with the fruit of your salvation- those good things that are produced in your life by Jesus Christ- for this will bring much glory and praise to God” (Philippians 1:11).
Serving Others with Our Gifts
Warren reminds us that our unique design isn’t accidental: “Each of us was uniquely designed by God with talents, gifts, skills, and abilities. The way you’re ‘wired’ is not an accident.” These gifts aren’t for our own benefit alone for God’s glory flowing through us to others.
“God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God’s generosity can flow through you… Then God will be given glory” (1 Peter 4:10-110).
Telling Others About Him
“God doesn’t want His purpose kept secret. Introducing others to Jesus, helping them discover their purpose and preparing them for eternity is a great privilege.” Warren states. “God’s grace brings more and more people to Christ,... God will receive more and more glory” (2 Corinthians 4:15).
The Choice Before Us
Warren poses the ultimate question: “What Will You Live For?” This choice requires fundamental changes in “your priorities, your schedule, your relationships, and everything else.” It means sometimes “choosing a difficult path instead of an easy one.”
Even Jesus struggled with this decision. Facing crucifixion, He cried out, “My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Thy name” (John 12:27-28). Jesus chose purpose over comfort, glory over ease.
We face the same decision. Jesus warns “Anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go,... you’ll have it forever, real and eternal” (John 12:25). The question becomes: “Who are you going to live for-yourself of God?”
Taking the Step
Warren doesn’t leave us wondering about our ability to make this choice. “Don’t worry. God will give you what you need if you just make the choice to live for him.” He assures us that “Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God.” (2 Peter 1:3).
The invitation is simple: believe and receive. Believe that God loves you, made you for His purposes, and chose you for relationship with Jesus. Believe that no matter what you’ve done, God wants to forgive you. Then receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, receive His forgiveness, and receive His Spirit who will empower you to fulfill your life purpose.
Living with Awareness
The practical question Warren poses cuts to the heart of daily application: “Where in my daily routine can I become more aware of God’s glory?” The answer begins with recognition- acknowledging each morning that God has assigned us another day to enjoy life and share His love. It means slowing down to share the gospel, helping neighbors, and daily praying to become more Christ-like.
Living for God’s glory transforms ordinary moments into opportunities for eternal significance. When we understand that it’s all for Him, every task becomes worship, every relationship becomes ministry, and every day becomes a chance to reflect His glory to a watching world.
The decision is ours: will we live for ourselves or for the One who created us for His glory? Real life begins when we commit ourselves completely to Jesus Christ and embrace the magnificent purpose for which we were made.
