A Life Like Jesus: Glorifying God on Earth

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A Life Like Jesus: Glorifying God on Earth

John 17:4

Living Like Jesus: Glorifying God in Our Everyday Lives

Have you ever wondered what it would look like to truly live like Jesus, striving for a life like Jesus in every action? What if we could approach our lives—especially as parents—with the same clarity of purpose that Christ had? In John 17:4, Jesus makes a profound statement in prayer to His Father: “I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.”

This verse, which I memorized 42 years ago through the encouragement of my high school baseball coach, reveals a pattern for living a life like Jesus in a way that honors God. Whether you’re a father celebrating Father’s Day or anyone pursuing a relationship with our Heavenly Father, this sacred conversation between God the Son and God the Father offers us tremendous insight.

Our Motivation: God’s Glory

Jesus said, “I have glorified you.” There are countless mission statements throughout the world, but it’s one thing to have a mission statement and another thing entirely to fulfill it. Jesus’ driving motivation was to glorify His Father.

How did He do it? By revealing the Father, training disciples, preaching the good news, living a sinless life, and ultimately going to the cross. Jesus glorified His Father in everything, exemplifying a life like Jesus.

Unlike Jesus, we often don’t glorify our Heavenly Father. Many times we’re selfish, wanting the emphasis to be on us. We seek comfort, personal success, and respect. But as followers of Christ, we are called to “reflect God in the way that we act, in the way that we talk, in the way that we treat other people.”

If I had a mirror outside and positioned it to reflect the sun, that mirror would simply be a reflection. Similarly, we are to reflect God’s glory, His love, His grace, and His holiness. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

Our Ministry: Here on Earth

Jesus’ ministry wasn’t some abstract calling. He left heaven—an incredible place—to come to earth to do God’s will. Philippians tells us that “he humbled himself” and came to earth. John 1:14 says, “the Word became flesh and he dwelt among us,” showing us how to live a life like Jesus here on earth.

“Jesus didn’t have the ideal circumstances when he came to earth. And so often we can say, well, I don’t have the ideal circumstances to do what God’s called me to.” But God wants to use you here on earth, in your current circumstances. He wants you to be faithful to Him and do His will right where you are.

Our Mission: Finishing God’s Work

Jesus said He accomplished “the work that you gave me to do.” We each have a stewardship, especially as we love and lead our families.

“Jesus did not have any excuses. He didn’t say, ‘You know what? It’s too difficult. There’s no appreciation. It’s too hard. It’s too long.’ But Jesus accomplished the will of his Father.”

Interestingly, Jesus didn’t preach everywhere or minister to everyone. He didn’t go everywhere people wanted Him to go. He did what God the Father wanted Him to do. Similarly, “God has not called you to do Jesus’ will… God has called you to do His will for your life.”

Ephesians 2:10 tells us “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” God has a specific will for each of us.

Practical Applications for Fathers

Speaking from my heart as a father of four, I believe your children need several things from you:

  1. Love the Lord – Your kids need to see you walking with and knowing the Lord. You won’t be perfect, but when you’re gone, they should be able to say, “I know my dad loved God and lived a life like Jesus.”
  2. Love their mother – Show love and respect to your children’s mom. If you’re unkind, selfish, demanding, or belittling toward their mother, that’s not good. My wife and I made it a point never to argue in front of our children.
  3. Love them openly – Let them know you love them. In Matthew 3:17, God the Father affirmed His love for Jesus: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I’m well pleased.”
  4. Be present – John 8:29 says, “The one who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone.” Be present not just physically, but be engaged. Don’t allow work or hobbies to distract from the love your children need.

Next Steps: Living for God’s Glory

Will you live for God’s glory? Will you embrace living a life like Jesus in your current place and season here on earth? Will you finish the work God has given you to do?

Even if you’re not a father, God has called you to these same principles. Life is not about you—it’s about God and His glory. Embrace where God has placed you in this season and be faithful. With God’s help and by His grace, commit to finishing the work He has given you to do.

I know not everyone has had a perfect father. My own father never attended my ball games, never told me he loved me, and was married and divorced eight times. But when I came to know Christ as a teenager, I prayed, “Lord, my example as a father’s not there. Would you be my father?” We all have access to a wonderful Heavenly Father who can heal and guide us.

We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!

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