God is glorified in his people by the way we experience him, not merely by the way we think about him. Indeed the devil thinks more true thoughts about God in one day than a saint does in a lifetime, and God is not honored by it. The problem with the devil is not his theology, but his desires. Our chief end is to glorify God, the great Object. We do so most fully when we treasure him, desire him, delight in him so supremely that we let goods and kindred go and display his love to the poor and the lost.
This profound statement emphasizes that true glorification of God happens through our heartfelt experience of Him, not just intellectual assent. It reminds us that intellectual knowledge about God, even if accurate, does not equate to honoring Him. The devil, despite his correct theology, fails to glorify God because he lacks the right desires and affections. The core issue is rooted in the heart’s orientation towards God—what we treasure, desire, and delight in ultimately determines how our lives reflect His glory. When we prioritize knowing and loving God above all else, our actions naturally overflow into acts of love and service, such as caring for the poor and the lost. Such a life demonstrates genuine worship through genuine desire, transforming both our internal affections and external actions. This perspective challenges believers to examine the motivation behind their faith—Are we fully treasuring God? Do we desire Him above everything else? It shifts the focus from mere mental acknowledgment to a heartfelt pursuit of intimacy with God, which in turn manifests His glory through our lives. The quote encapsulates the idea that sacrificial love and joyful obedience stem from honest, fervent affection for God, leading us to live out the Gospel authentically. It calls believers to pursue a heartfelt relationship with God that results in tangible acts of love, truly glorifying Him in all aspects of life.
