We are made in the image of God, made to reflect his glory. We are the branches and he is the vine. When we bear good fruit, the true results of the branches and the vine, we celebrate God.
The word for glory, “doxa”, means that something’s essence is being clearly seen by observers. If someone runs the fastest 100 meter time in the world, but no one sees it, there is no glory. And if someone buys a gold medal won by Hussein Bolt, that does not mean they have the glory of being the world’s fastest runner. Glory is not always good. Philippians 3:19 speaks of those whose “glory is their shame”. These are folks whose life choices are controlled by their appetites. It is something observable and it is their “glory” because their true essence is being shown.
God does not need us to behave a certain way to display His glory. The entire creation displays His glory (Psalm 19).
However we have this unique opportunity for others to see the glory of God through our deeds. For when we abide in Him, and follow His ways, what observers are seeing is not us, but God working through us. We get to share in God’s glory by being a conduit. And this actually brings glory to us, for we were created to be God’s instruments. We are fulfilling our design.
We cannot do anything apart from God. We are his. We belong to him. As we seek to discern his will for our lives, and make decisions accordingly, we do not just puff up ourselves in idolatry. We reveal ourselves as God’s disciples and Him as the master of glory.