EFFORT, THANKSGIVING, & THE GLORY
2 Corinthians 4:15
For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. (NKJV)
Read: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Every outstanding achievement necessitates significant effort, and the unveiling of glory carries a cost. For example, just as raw gold passes through the fire before it shines as gold, Christ’s death and triumph paved the way for the manifestation of God’s glory in humankind. In the same way, the Apostle Paul revealed to the Corinthians that his sufferings and labour were for their sake because, as grace extends to multiple people, thanksgiving will increase for the glory of God. Here, we see a link between hard work, grace, thanksgiving, and God’s glory.
By way of explanation, as Paul laboured in preaching “grace” and the people accepted Christ, God’s glory spread across the land. This will result in continuous citywide thanksgiving to God. Since a few days into 2025, we have learnt much and prayed about transforming from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). However, an important point to hold on to here is that, without putting in the effort, there is no glory. Paul endured the hardship of toiling for the revelation of the glory of God. In the supporting Bible reading, the apostle equated this labour with dying but was quick to add that the spirit is renewed daily, producing a glory that immensely outweighs the effort (v. 16-17).
Besides the grace and exemplification of labour, Paul showed that giving thanks is crucial to exalting God’s glory. You must intentionally praise the Father of Glory as you work hard this year to replicate His glory through your words and actions! 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Beloved, it is in showcasing God’s glory that gratitude from within increases. When God inhabits the praises, more grace and substance for the manifestation of glory are released!
PRAYER
Hymn: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty – Joachim Neander (1680)
1. Give quality appreciation to God and ask for the grace to pay the price of glory.
(MIDNIGHT PRAYER)
1. Press on in glorious thanksgiving to God!
HAPPY NEW YEAR OF GLORY TO GLORY
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