The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. Psalm 19:1 NLT
German reformer Martin Luther said, “Even a dairymaid can milk cows to the glory of God.”
As I sat in the theater watching the actors play out their respective roles, I marveled at the lighting controlled from above. Spotlights accurately shone on whatever actor or group of actors performed their feature renditions. Others may have occupied the stage as well, but only shadows fell across them. They could only hope enough light would bounce off the star players so they could maneuver their way around as they awaited their next appearance in the spotlight. Lights declaring the glory of the actors.
And then there is fall—my favorite season of the year. Leaves turn back to their natural colors—shades we only see once a year and for a short period of time. Colors intensified when a setting sun bounces off their surface or when a morning sun graces their dew-dotted leaves. Colors no artist could mimic and no rainbow imitate.
During one autumn week, the wind blew and a rainstorm of leaves descended in droves from the trees. I watched maple trees filled with pulsating red and yellow leaves turn them loose, allowing them to gently descend to the ground beneath them or to blow to another vacant area. Tulip poplars also let go of leaves they’d been holding since spring.
Somehow for me, a milkmaid, a stage spotlight, and turning and falling leaves all proclaim God’s glory. When I look at nature—regardless of the season—I see God’s glory. Leaves changing from green to red, yellow, and orange. Leaves turning loose of the tree limbs they clutch. Millions of stars hanging in the night sky. Weeds of all shapes and sizes blooming by the roadside. A baby giraffe being born. Ferocious winds churning inside a powerful hurricane. The beauty of nature is not a freak accident but a product of God’s hand.
Like nature, I can show God’s glory to others. I do it best by allowing the fruit of His indwelling Spirit to radiate in and through my life. The fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. Fruit whose color is as variegated as the shades of fall leaves. Fruit that makes others take a second glance because the fruit is so unfamiliar to them…but enticing nonetheless.
I demonstrate God’s glory best when I use those colorful hues to touch the lives of others. Jesus said to let my good works show God’s glory to others. So whether I’m a milkmaid, farmer, priest, engineer, custodian, mechanic, or the President, I can glorify God with my life. And when I turn loose of bitterness, unforgiveness, and past hurts, people can witness beauty like fall’s colors through my actions, attitudes, and emotions.
Let whatever needs to fall from your life fall so others can see God’s glory shining through you.
