How #WWGGG Can Change Your Life
I remember the first time I read Charles Sheldon’s book, In His Steps.
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.
2 Peter 2:21
The Holy Spirit used seven words…
“That you should follow in His steps.”
A simple phrase inspired a group of people to ask a question.
What would Jesus do?
And lives were changed … their lives and the lives of people around them.
Because they quickly learned that a question like “What would Jesus do?” is easy to ask but not easy to consistently apply. You see, before someone can do what Jesus would do they have to KNOW what Jesus would do.
Which is something I’ve been thinking a lot about this year.
I’ve wondered if #WWJD has become an easy phrase to use to tell other people what they should be doing and saying rather than being a personal commitment to actually knowing, loving, and obeying Jesus.
When I hear someone proclaim that Jesus wants people to affirm something that clearly goes against God’s Word, I fear that a phrase like “What would Jesus do?” has lost a bit of its significance for a few of the people who use it.
So, earlier this year, I started asking myself a new question…
What would give God glory?
Based on the verse…
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
And I’ve discovered this is a question that has the power to change lives. Well, at least it’s changed mine.
Before I explain that, I want to take a minute to explain what I believe it means to do everything for the glory of God.
Paul Tripp defines glory in this way…
Glory isn’t a part of God; it’s all that God is. Every aspect of who God is and every part of what God does is glorious. But even that’s not enough of a description. Not only is He glorious in every way, but His very glory is glorious!
God’s glory encompasses the greatness, beauty, and perfection of all that He is.
If the intent of my life is to live for God’s glory … then everything I do and say needs to point others to want to know Him – know the greatness, beauty, and perfection of all that He is.
So, asking the question, “What would give God glory?” causes me to stop and pause and think before I speak or act.
#WWGGG
Before I do or say anything, I want to pause and ask #WWGGG.
- Before I respond to an unkind comment … #WWGGG.
- Before I post something online …#WWGGG.
- Before I make a purchase … #WWGGG.
- Before I choose a TV show, movie, or book … #WWGGG.
- Before I eat … #WWGGG.
- Before __________ … #WWGGG.
What would give God glory in my life? And I invite you to ask, “What would give God glory?” in yours.
Like #WWJD, we first have to know what God says gives Him glory rather than trying to make things up on our own. So let’s do a little digging…
Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (HCSB)
Our kindness, compassion, care, and concern … our love for others gives God glory.
God bought you with a great price. So honor God with your body. You belong to Him.
1 Corinthians 6:20 (NLV)
Caring for our own bodies physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually gives God glory.
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.
Romans 12:2
Discerning God’s will and following it gives God glory.
Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
Psalm 50:14–15
and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
Then call on me when you are in trouble,
and I will rescue you,
and you will give me glory.”
Thankfulness and praise give God glory.
Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32
Forgiving others because God has forgiven you and me gives God glory.
“If you love me, obey my commandments.”
John 4:15
Obedience shows our love for God and gives Him glory.
I worship and praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness; for Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name.
Psalm 138:2
When you and I worship and praise God we give Him glory.
But why is it important? Why does it matter?
Why does my signature line say – By His grace and for His glory?
Because I believe it’s why I was created…
Bring all who claim me as their God,
for I have made them for my glory.
It was I who created them.And
“You are worthy, O Lord our God,
Isaiah 43:7 and Revelation 4:11
to receive glory and honor and power.
For You created all things,
and they exist because
You created what You pleased.”
You and I were created for God’s pleasure and His glory! It’s the very reason we are here.
So, are you ready?
Let’s start by making a commitment to stop and pause and ask … “What would give God glory?”
Then let’s invite our friends and family to join us.
Who knows … maybe we could start a movement that could not only change our lives but one that would change the lives of people everywhere.
Let’s make #WWGGG a way of life for those who love and follow Jesus. Because the truth is … if you and I want to do what Jesus would do, we need to live for God’s glory. That’s what Jesus did!
Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
Psalm 115:1
but to Your name goes all the glory
for Your unfailing love and faithfulness.
If you’re in let me know in the comments. I can’t wait to hear from you!
And if you’d like to join a community of people who are committing to ask themselves #WWGGG as they live each day for Him – click here.
This is an absolutely marvelous post, Deb! I’m definitely going to stop and ask myself repeatedly if what I’m doing/saying is giving glory to my Father in heaven. I hope many of your readers will do the same. What an incredible difference for good this could make in the world!
Blessings!
Oh, thank you, Martha! It’s my prayer that many will think about this and through those who are living to give God glory, many others will want to know and love Him. Thanks for being such a faithful reader and encourager. God bless you!
Deb
I’m in!
thank you so much for this perspective…..It makes me pause & consider….WWGGG: so now is the doing of it in my daily walk.
thank you
Yay, Sherry! I would love to see a movement of people who want to ask “What would give God glory?” He has blessed us abundantly … His grace overwhelms me. Thank you and God bless you!
Thank you so much and may God bless as you continue to inspire Christian’s and all those who live for God’s word and for the love of Christ. I sometimes doubt my purpose and fall short to know just what that is while still holding on to my faith and facing life’s challenges at the same time! Pray for me that I may receive to peace, understanding as well as salvation. Thank you and God bless.
I am praying for you, Demetris. I believe our purpose is to get up each day and do what is before us in ways that will give God glory. Sometimes I think my purpose has to be something great I do – but Jesus said whatever we do for the least of these we have done for Him. Loving God and loving others is a purpose God has given all of us. Thanks so much for visiting and for joining the conversation. God bless you!
Yes, indeed, Deb. I do not want to do anything unless it does give God glory.. We are on His camera 24/7 so he knows what we say & do. I know HE loves your devotions!
That is my heart’s desire to stop and ask #WWGGG before I do and say. Thanks so much for your kindness. I am blessed! God bless with you!
I love this – what would give God glory….changes everything…. thank you…
God bless you and keep you and shine on you today, sweet sister!
Oh, Bonnie, thank you so much! Your kindness blesses me. Praying that more and more of us will begin to ask #WWGGG – What will give God glory? God bless you as well!!
Awesome message, Deb! I’m in!! Thank you for this message and God bless you.
Thank you, Lynn, Your encouragement blesses me! God bless you!
I really like this idea and focus much better than the standard, “What would Jesus do?”, Deb! There were many things that Jesus did from a perfect and sinless position–like harshly confronting the Pharisees–that I might be tempted to do with others and do in ways that doesn’t give God glory! 😉 This post has given me much-needed food for thought in a situation that calls for giving God all the glory, rather than giving it to myself! THANK YOU!! Pinning for sure!
Thank you, Beth! I agree! I’ve seen people justify some pretty angry and awful words and actions comparing it to Jesus confronting the Pharisees or cleansing the Temple. I’m so glad this blessed you and know I’m praying for you! God bless you!
YES! I absolutely LOVE this! The #WWJD movement happened when I was a teen. I haven’t thought about it in ages. But I love your fresh take on it here. I’ve often thought “What’s most loving?” It’s a similar idea. This post totally excites me. Thanks for your continued encouragement and commitment to God’s Word!
I like that, Jana! “What’s most loving?” God is love and when we love in His name we are giving Him glory! Thanks so much for your encouragement! Blessings!
This is the greatest idea for strengthening our daily walk in serving God I have heard in a long time!! It is quick and easy to remember- but a hugely powerful behavior changer that will provide the pause we need to allow the Holy Spirit to take charge of the moment. Kind of like “counting to ten” before reacting – only so much better cause our choice will be guided by the Holy Spirit!
Thanks, Trish! I appreciate your encouragement! I would love to see it be something that begins a movement that will change lives and relationships. God’s Word talks so often about being united in Him … that is one of my prayers. Blessings!
I plan to share this far and wide to help fan the flames of this Holy Spirit spark!! I pray it becomes a movement of hearts and minds!
Thank you,Deb.you always make me think…about God.you inspire me and encourage me and teach me.i need to write these letters in a couple of places so I can remind myself to think on and apply this new thought.love and thanks,kara
Thank you, Kara! God bless you!
Deb,
I’ m as old as dirt and a very slow learner in regards to God and his word. However, I keep plugging along in my faith. I just recently read The Battle Plan for Prayer by the Kendrick brothers. One chapter talked about asking for God to be glorified in any situation, much like you were saying above. I had an epiphany about changing my prayer for a very close family member in a very tough legal situation. I changed it from please God get him out of this mess to releasing him to God which was not easy, and asking that God be glorified in this situation. There was a terribly harsh/unfair/unreasonable for the crime outcome expected. Well, God was glorified through the whole thing. He is being held accountable for his actions but in a rehabilitative and humane way. It was like Daniel in the Lion’s Den when God closed the mouth of the lion. Praise God – El Shaddai. May God be gloried in your life for all the blessings that you give others.
Oh, Glada, I love this! What an awesome prayer! And I love the way God blessed and honored it for His glory! Thanks so much for stopping and taking the time to share this with us. God bless you!
This could absolutely change everything…even if Christians just asked this before posting on social media! Even as a mother of young kids, I can ask this of myself. “Is my getting upset over their incredibly messy room giving God glory?”
Really, this could be life changing, if we asked ourselves this in any situation. I think asking myself this can help me redirect when I get off track…so simple a phrase yet such a huge impact.
That is my prayer, Melissa. I think it’s something we can even teach out children as we teach them about loving the Lord. I’m so glad this blessed you! Thanks for your encouragement. Blessings!
This is wonderful, Deb! I’m going to share it with my two teens, as well. It’s succinct and Biblical and keeps Him as the center of my thought life. Thank you for sharing!
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Thank you, Tammy. It is an easy phrase that anyone of any age can remember to help them focus on the Lord and His will. I appreciate your encouragement. God bless you!
Now I think I understand why hearing WWJD gave me an uneasy emptiness ever since I first heard it. It seemed like a “pc talking point” to me.
WWGGG turns on a new light, as I realize more fully that I tend to give credence to my own mortal efforts, rather than giving God the glory. Preeminence is His and His alone in all things and at all times. Thanks, Deb.
Great insight…and a necessary tap on the shoulder!
Soli Deo Gloria!
I’ve been thinking about this for a while Pam. When I hear people use Jesus’ name to justify almost anything – I felt there had to be something we could apply that would point us to the truth of God’s Word and not what people come up with on their own. My prayer is that God will use it to bless and change lives. Thanks and blessings, my friend!
Just this morning, my devotional time was weighed down heavy by a careless post in a group chat. I pondered all the ways I could respond to the other person’s comment because it bothered me so much. I didn’t come to a conclusion, until now, until I read this. What would give God glory? And now I know.
Thank you, Deb, for prompting the question and pointing us all to what really matters.
Oh, Friend, I hear you! I can so quickly get discouraged by some of the things I see written on social media. I’m so glad this blessed you and helped you think of a way to respond. I’m so thankful for you! God bless you!
I love this so much . This phrase will both convict and bless us as we pause to #WWGGG
Most my life I have stopped to ask #WWJS ( What would Jesus say) of the clothes I wear, my reactions. my friendships, my choices etc.
The rest of the time whenever I used “What would Diana say “ has been a mess.
The Lord is using you mightily,Deb!
And …. I love you
You’re so sweet, Diana! I’m guilty of falling into the what would Deb say or do as well. Although, I have learned that it often gets me into trouble. I needed a better way and God’s way is always the answer. Thanks for your kind encouragement. Love you too, my friend!!
Wow, imagine if we stop and think every time we are going to do, say or think something if our actions and thoughts bring glory to God. I think the world would be a very different place and Christians would be very different people.
What a blessing it would be! That’s what I’m praying that the Lord will move in our hearts and minds to faithfully ask #WWGGG! Thanks so much, Carolina! God bless you!
WWGGG. This is brilliantly helpful. laurensparks.net
Yes & Amen, I have been thinking the same about what gives God the glory in my life because Jesus was always doing what glorified the Father. Great post Deb!
Blessings,
Jennifer
Deb, this is just what I needed today…and every day!! I desire to give Him the glory but, oh so often, I fail. This is a great way to remind me of my true purpose in this life. As I asked myself the questions at the end of this piece, I got to one and hung my head knowing that I had made a huge decision without asking either WWGGG or WWJD! Oh my! I have been beating myself up for it for weeks now and this confirmed the decision was wrong. BUT…I will live with it and follow through on the commitment I made. I will not beat myself up anymore as God does not do that and He certainly is NOT receiving any glory in that regard. So I seek forgiveness from Him and move to glory Him in my life. Thank you, thank you, Deb! and all my sisters and brothers here. Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Oh, Linda, I struggle with this, too. I think we all do. I want so badly to live for God’s glory and SEEK His will faithfully but I let my own wants, desires, and flawed perspective to get in the way too often. Isn’t it an amazing blessing that we can go to Him for forgiveness and know that He removes it as far as the east is from the west. Thanks so much for your encouragement and for sharing your story. Praying for you and asking God to be with you and bless you today!
Deb, I pray with a group of women each Monday…about 7 of us. I shared this post with them a week ago and today, several shared how much this blessed them, how they are already thinking about giving God the glory in more and more ways. I am blessed myself and feel God using this to grow us each and all. Thank you for following His lead.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
I love that, Linda! Thank you so much for letting me know. Anytime you or anyone in your group want to share a post about your group or what they’re doing on our FB Page, I would love it! God bless you all!
Thank you Deb for your post. I have Bible readings sent to me daily from Bible Gateway and I am always behind. This morning I sat down to read them and a Pinterest email caught my eye. So I clicked on that instead. That led to a page where I saw a link to your page. I love the idea of thinking WWGGG, I remember my mother saying “What would Jesus do”?. Everything you have said in the two posts I have read, this one and “How to give God the glory” I agree with. I was pleased to see a quote from R C Sproul, I loved watching and listening to him on the TV many years ago. I feel I have been drifting lately, I would like to blame my health, but every time I feel as if God has has drifted away from me, I know the reverse is true. I pray you have gotten me back on track. My health is not good and I often feel tired and down, which is the time I turn to biscuits and chocolate, obviously not good for me. It is now my phrase for 2020. May God bless you and your ministry, Angela
Thank you, Angela! Your comment absolutely made my day! I’m praying for you today … asking God to bless you and restore your health. Thanks so much for visiting! I hope you’ll visit often! Blessings and hugs!
This is so powerful, Deb! It blessed me today. WWGGG will be a regular in my thought life now. 🙂
Thanks so much for letting me know! I’m so glad it blessed you!
Oh my goodness! I LOVE THIS. I do not know how I missed it but I can tell you, I’m way too excited at 10:30pm now to go to bed! We need bracelets!! 🙂 This is such a brilliant thought to keep at the forefront of our minds. I wrote it down (#WWGGG) from today’s post and then just discovered the facebook group and this post. Deb, I just wish I could hug you!! Your words ignite my faith!
Thank you so much, Erin! We have started looking into having bracelets made. I’m so glad you’re following the FB group and joining us in this mission. I do believe it will make a difference in our lives and in the lives of the people around us. God bless you! I love your passion and enthusiasm. What a wonderful blessing!!
Fantastic post! Thanks for encouraging me to allow my thinking to evolve, so that I can respond to God in a better way. This is part of our journey to wholeness. Blessings, Deb!
Thank you, Jodi! I so appreciate your kindness. I’m praying and asking God to bless you and give you everything you need as you turn your heart and mind toward Him. God be with you!