The Purpose of Being a God-Centered People: Bringing Glory to His Name

As followers of Christ, we are called to be a God-centered people. But have you ever wondered why? What is the purpose behind this call to put God at the center of our lives? The answer lies in God's desire for his name to be renowned and his glory to be proclaimed.

Throughout the Bible, we see God's zeal for his name and reputation. In 1 Samuel 12:22, Samuel reassures the people of Israel that God will not forsake them because it pleases him to have a people for himself. In other words, God chose Israel to make a name for himself, to bring glory and honor to his reputation.

This idea is further emphasized in Jeremiah 13:11, where God describes Israel as a waistcloth that clings to him. Despite their shortcomings, God chose Israel to be a people who would bring him praise and glory. Similarly, in Isaiah 43:21, God declares that Israel is the people whom he formed for himself to declare his praise.

The concept of making a name for God is not limited to Israel alone. In the New Testament, Peter describes the church as a chosen race, called to proclaim the excellencies of God (1 Peter 2:9). Just as Israel was chosen to make a name for God, so are we as the church. We are called to be Christ-dependent and Christ-exalting, to bring honor and glory to the name of Jesus.

So, what does it mean for us to be a God-centered people? It means that everything we do, every word we speak, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17). Our lives should reflect a deep dependence on Christ and a desire to bring him glory. When we pray, our first and foremost request should be for God's name to be hallowed, for his reputation to be honored (Matthew 6:9).

Being a God-centered people also means recognizing the forgiveness we have received through Christ's name (1 John 2:12). Our sins are forgiven for his name's sake, and it is through his name that we find salvation and redemption.

But how do we practically live out this call to be a God-centered people? It starts with a heart that desires to bring glory to God in all we do. We can ask ourselves questions like: How can I glorify God in my work? How can I honor him in my relationships? How can I reflect his character in my actions?

One way to do this is by imitating Christ and following his example. Jesus lived a life that was completely centered on his Father's will. He constantly sought to bring glory to God, even to the point of sacrificing his own life on the cross. As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate his example and live in a way that reflects his character and priorities.

Another way to be a God-centered people is by actively proclaiming his name and sharing the good news of Jesus with others. We can use our words and actions to point people to the hope and salvation found in Christ. By doing this, we bring honor and glory to God's name and fulfill his purpose for us as his chosen people.

In conclusion, being a God-centered people means recognizing God's zeal for his name and reputation. It means living in a way that brings honor and glory to God, imitating Christ's example, and proclaiming his name to the world. Let us strive to be a people who are deeply dependent on Christ and who seek to bring him praise in all we do. May his name be exalted and renowned through our lives.