Becoming a Worthy Reflection of God's Glory: A Journey of Faith and Humility

For many, the aspiration to embody God's glory is a profound longing. This journey, however, requires more than just imagination—it demands a deep understanding of humility and faith. In this article, we delve into the steps one can take to approach this noble goal, drawing from both historical and scriptural insights.

Understanding the Concept of God's Glory

The idea of 'God's glory' is central to many religious paths and refers to the manifestation of divine qualities and attributes. To become a worthy reflection of God's glory is to strive for a life that aligns with these divine values. However, achieving such a state is often seen as an unattainable goal, primarily because of the persistent presence of human imperfection and the lack of tangible, verified evidence of supernatural phenomena.

The Role of Selflessness and Altruism

One of the foundational steps in the path to embodying God's glory is selflessness. This involves leading an altruistic life, where actions are motivated by the well-being of others rather than personal gain. Jesus Christ exemplifies this through his life's work, which was dedicated to serving others and leading an ethical, just existence. As we strive towards righteousness, accepting that we are not perfect and continuously working to improve, we can move closer to this ideal.

Understanding Mortality and Perfection

To understand the practical aspects of this journey, it is crucial to recognize the difference between mortal and resurrected perfection. For instance, in Matthew 5:48, Jesus calls his followers to strive for perfection, yet even he was not perfected until after his death and resurrection. Similarly, in the Book of Mormon, the resurrected Christ in Nephi 12:48 says, 'Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.' This implies that true perfection is a result of the divine transformation that occurs after death and resurrection.

Focus on Jesus Christ as Your Center

Aligning oneself with Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of achieving God's glory. By making Jesus your center, you can find the guiding force that aligns your actions with His teachings. The concept of 'the cloak of the righteousness of the son' from Paul's writings suggests that our path to heaven is not through our own efforts, but through the grace provided by Jesus Christ. Just as a cloak drapes over our clothes, His righteousness can cover our own imperfections.

Obeying His Instructions

Another key aspect of becoming a reflection of God's glory is obeying His instructions. The New Testament often references the importance of obeying the Torah (Old Testament), which outlines God's commandments and laws. By adhering to these instructions, one aligns their actions with those of the divine, reflecting God's qualities in their life.

Yet, it is important to acknowledge that all our good works are seen as 'filthy rags' in comparison to the divine. Even the best of our efforts are not sufficient on our own. The path to true alignment with God's glory lies in claiming and embracing Jesus' glory. Our continuous struggle with sin and imperfection means that we need a grace beyond our own capabilities to achieve perfection.

The Path Forward

The journey to becoming a worthy reflection of God's glory is an ongoing process that requires humility, faith, and perseverance. It is a path marked by continuous effort and self-reflection, rather than a one-time achievement. By focusing on kindness, alignment with divine teachings, and reliance on Jesus' grace, we can move closer to embodying the qualities of God's glory.

As Matt suggests, it is important to understand that we cannot overcome our imperfections on our own. Embracing Jesus' grace, committing to ongoing improvement, and maintaining a life of selflessness and kindness are the steps we can take to reflect God's glory in our lives.