By this my Father is glorified ...

By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

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Have you ever thought about the idea that the things we do can bring glory to God? Consider these verses in John's gospel that speak of Jesus:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
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This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.

The glory of God can be seen in us in the same way that it was in Jesus. When our lives evidence the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit God receives glory. When the fruit of the Spirit is manifested in our lives the glory of God is on display for everyone to see. We become the city on a hill that Jesus speaks of when we let our light shine brightly.

I think that our tenancy is to separate the glory of God from the mundane activities of our lives and defer it to the "glorious" and spectacular. Yet our verse today speaks to how God is involved and receives glory when we love.. when we are patient with each other.. when we exercise self control. It reminds me of the importance of being faithful in the little things.

Help me to shine today Lord. Help me to bring glory to you by the way that I live and love.