glorify thy name
"In this way the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in You." —2 Thessalonians 1:12
I'm looking at the skyline of downtown Cincinnati. Tall buildings display the name of the parent company in lights: Fifth Third Bank, Great American, Kroger, among others. The company name is publicly exalted by these buildings. These buildings are shiny and attractive, qualities which enhance the company name. These companies wouldn't put their name on a rundown, grimy building for fear of disgracing their name.
We are Christians. Accordingly, we bear the name of Jesus. We are "an edifice" that displays the name of Jesus to the world (1 Pt 2:5). As His "buildings" (see 1 Cor 3:16), we want to be shiny and attractive for Jesus (Mt 5:14-16). It's absolutely true that Jesus loves us even when we are rundown and grimy (see Lk 15:16, 20). However, as His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20), we want to publicly exalt and glorify Jesus' holy name by our holy, shiny, joyful lives.
The world is watching you today as you display the name of Jesus. What will they see as they look at you? How is your life glorifying "the name of our Lord Jesus" today? (2 Thes 1:12)
Prayer: Jesus, "hallowed be Your name" (Mt 6:9). May I daily grow in zeal for Your name.
Promise: "Grace and peace be yours from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." —2 Thes 1:2
Praise: St. Louis, king of France, was renowned for his concern for the poor and every day invited thirteen of them to eat with him.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 19, 2014
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