Man's chief aim is to glorify God, a purpose that encompasses a vast and vital subject, as we are commanded by Him to do so. Glorifying God involves reflecting His glory, as seen when Moses' face shone after being in the presence of the Being who later became Jesus Christ, displaying a visible sign of communication with God to the people. This glory could be obscured, as Moses did with a veil, curtailing its shining forth. There are different types of glory, varying in nature and degree; for instance, an old man's glory is his grey hair, a young man's is his strength, and a woman's is her long hair. Character traits, like forgiving others' faults, also manifest as glory. Degrees of glory differ, as the glory of the Old Covenant pales compared to that of the New Covenant, and even natural elements like snowflakes and suns exhibit distinct glories. God is the source of all glory, as evidenced by Moses' shining face originating from Him, and our glory rests with or comes from Him. This glory is dynamic, not static; it changes, grows, fades, or wanes, as we are transformed from glory to glory into His image. Unlike transient human glory, which fades like grass or diminishes in death, God's glory remains permanent and unchanging, an everlasting splendor we can come to share. Glory is reflective and reciprocal; after Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation, God restored his glory, and the king glorified God in return, demonstrating this mutual relationship. We are to reflect God's glory back to Him, not hiding it under a veil or basket, akin to the moon reflecting the sun's light. Sin, however, opposes glory, causing a fall from it into shame, while the wise who lead others to righteousness inherit glory through their godly lifestyle. This reflection of glory serves as a sign to others, showing we are God's people and working His work, ultimately leading them to glorify Him. If we cease reflecting this light by allowing something to come between us and God, the reciprocal relationship falters, and we grow dark. Our example, living honorably, teaches others, prompting even those who slander now to glorify God in the day of visitation. This cycle of glory crescendos from earth to the highest heaven and back, growing like compound interest from a few to an avalanche of glory. When we glorify Him, God reciprocates with blessings, spiritual or physical, enabling us to live His way and do His work. As others witness this godly lifestyle, they too will come to glorify God, perpetuating an ever-expanding cycle of glory between heaven and earth.

In the pursuit of victory, athletes often chase the fleeting euphoria of glory, as seen in moments like Kansas City's Super Bowl win, where a player immediately yearned to win again, or Dale Earnhardt's desire for another championship after triumphing at the Daytona 500. This temporal glory, whether in sports or personal achievements, quickly fades, leaving a hunger for more, akin to an insatiable craving. In a spiritual context, the concept of glory transforms into something profound and enduring. Glory, as explored in biblical contexts, appears hundreds of times across scriptures, signifying a brilliance and weight far beyond earthly accolades. It is often associated with light, not a mere mundane glow, but a striking, bedazzling brilliance, especially when linked to God. This glory carries a heaviness, a burden of responsibility, as reflected in the Hebrew term "kahbode," which denotes weight, respect, and attributes like power and dignity. Glory also manifests in various forms and intensities. Solomon describes the glory of a young man as his strength, and the splendor of an old man as his gray head. Paul notes a woman's long hair as her glory, and Solomon further states that the glory of a child is their father. In the New Testament, Paul speaks of an eternal weight of glory, an abundance and authority that awaits beyond temporary afflictions, promising a lasting significance. The glory of God is the expression of all that He is, revealed in His creation and His acts. It is a visible, manifested presence, often displayed in dazzling magnificence, embodying His character and inestimable worth. This glory is something humans yearn to witness, as seen in Moses' plea to behold God's glory, though he was told no man could see Him and live. Yet, the reflection of this glory was so intense on Moses that the Israelites could not look upon him without a veil. Similarly, Isaiah, upon envisioning the glory of the Lord filling the earth, was profoundly humbled and driven to serve, illustrating the transformative power of such a vision. David, gazing into the heavens, marveled at the greatness of God, questioning why He would even consider humanity, yet understanding that God desires to share His glory with us. In Isaiah's prophecies, the glory of the Lord arises, seen upon His people, suggesting a personal and communal reflection of divine light. Ultimately, this glory, like light on a diamond, reveals its true beauty only through God's illuminating presence, urging us to reflect that eternal light in our lives.

The glorious presence of God, known as the Shekinah, manifests as a brilliant and visible light enveloped in a cloud, symbolizing His dwelling among His people. This presence, depicted as a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, guided and protected the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt, providing comfort and illumination as they prepared to cross the Red Sea. The Shekinah represents God's visible majesty, a constant reminder of His nearness, whether hovering over the tabernacle or filling Solomon's temple, signifying His dwelling in His house among His people. This glory of God, often associated with the ark of the testimony and resting above the mercy seat between the cherubim, serves as His throne from which He judges and commands. The pillar of cloud and fire, a continuous miracle for forty years, stood as a visible representation of God's presence, offering strength and assurance to the Israelites whenever they felt abandoned. They only needed to look toward the tabernacle to see this tremendous thundercloud, glorious with fire, and know that God was with them. God's glory, however, transcends mere physical manifestations like light or cloud. His true glory lies in His holy, righteous character—His goodness, mercy, grace, and truth. This spiritual radiance, far beyond any visible display, reveals the essence of who He is, striking awe and humility into those who encounter Him. The Shekinah, once confined by some to the Holy of Holies, is not limited to a single form or place, as God's presence can appear in countless ways, unbound by human conceptions or expectations. In the journey of the Israelites, the pillar of fire and cloud remained with them, leading them out of Egypt, through the Red Sea, to Sinai, and across the wilderness toward the Promised Land. This enduring presence underscores the necessity of God's glory in guiding His people through their trek. Now, this glory resides within His followers, no longer just before them but in them, as they are the temple of the living God. This indwelling glory, a down payment of the fullness to come, transforms and unifies them with the Father and the Son, reflecting His character and serving as their hope of eternal glory in the Kingdom of God.