Is it possible for someone who does not know God to honor Him? Is it necessary to have the intent to honor to be able to give glory to God?There are those who say that Christians should not listen to non-Christian musical groups (for example, The Beatles) because the musicians do not acknowledge Christ and, further, often sing songs with un-Biblical lyrics.
Many would say that Donald Trump or someone like Ted Turner who is openly hostile to Christianity do not bring any glory to God.
I have to respectfully disagree. God made all of us. He gives us each incredible gifts and talents and He does so, not when we came to know Him, but when He creates us.
When I hear the Beatles, I think, “Wow, what talent God gave them. How good of Him to create music for us to enjoy and musicians who are creative in such a beautiful way.” Same with Donald Trump with his talents in finance. Ditto with so many other people who may never know Jesus but who have been blessed by Him nonetheless.
To take another example, I don’t believe comedians have to be Christian for God to receive glory. While too many are undeniably foul and blasphemous, does God not get a chuckle and enjoyment out of his wonderful creation, Bill Cosby? How about a self-proclaimed atheist such as Paula Poundstone? Even if the comedian doesn’t acknowledge that her gift is God-given, can we not still see it as so and marvel at God’s handiwork?
And it’s not just people that honor God. Have you ever looked at an airplane? God made the mind of man that could invent such a seeming miracle! And God had us in mind when He created the atmosphere with the proper density and the earth with the correct gravity – both to allow flight to be even possible!
Yes, there are those who dishonor God and those who do so intentionally. But I suspect that all creation sings of the Glory of God – whether it wants to or not.
What an interesting concept. I think I can agree that God is glorified by his creation regardless if they acknowledge him or not. On a different level, I relate to this. I don't think of God every second of every day. Does he still get glorified in my life? I'm pretty sure that he does. What about when I mess up? You could argue that these are not unintentional slip ups, but I rather agree that God doesn't need our perfect performance to be glorified in his creation.
ReplyDelete