Trading God's Glory: 7 Modern Swaps
Romans 1:23 (MSG)
"They traded the glory of God who holds the whole world in his hands for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand."
I love going to yard sales. There’s something fun about driving through a neighborhood on a Saturday morning, spotting those hand-drawn signs, and wondering what kind of treasures—or random junk—I’ll find. Most of the time, I don’t expect to discover anything valuable. It’s usually mismatched mugs, half-used candles, or toys missing pieces.
So when I read Romans 1:23, it stopped me in my tracks: “They traded the glory of God… for cheap figurines you can buy at any roadside stand.” I immediately pictured a dusty table at a yard sale filled with stuff nobody really wants anymore—and realized, wow, we do that with God. We trade something priceless for things that don’t hold their value.
What is God's Glory?
In this verse, the word “glory” refers to the majesty, greatness, and worthiness of God—His divine beauty, perfection, and honor. It’s everything that makes God holy, powerful, and worthy of worship.
To say they “traded the glory of God” means they turned away from the real, awe-inspiring God and chose to worship worthless substitutes—man-made idols or things of much lesser value. It’s like giving up a diamond for a plastic toy.
Here’s a breakdown:
Glory = God’s splendor, majesty, and divine nature
Traded it = They gave up acknowledging and honoring God
Cheap figurines = A metaphor for idols or false gods—literally or figuratively, anything we put in God’s place
Just like at a yard sale, we sometimes give up what’s truly valuable for things that seem appealing in the moment—but aren’t worth much in the long run. Here are seven common trades we make when we settle for less than God’s glory:
1. Success vs. Significance
Chasing worldly success often leaves us burned out and empty.
Living with God-given purpose brings eternal impact.
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord…”
2. Money vs. Meaning
Wealth promises comfort, but never satisfies the soul.
Living generously and trusting God brings deeper meaning.
Matthew 6:24 – “You cannot serve both God and money.”
3. Image vs. Identity
Obsessing over how we appear is exhausting.
Resting in your identity as a child of God brings peace.
Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”
4. Entertainment vs. Encounter
Constant stimulation keeps us distracted.
An encounter with God’s presence brings lasting joy.
Psalm 16:11 – “In Your presence there is fullness of joy…”
5. Relationships vs. Reverence
Making someone else the center of our lives leads to imbalance.
Putting God first allows everything else to fall into place.
Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God…”
6. Self vs. Surrender
The world says “follow your heart.”
Jesus says “deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Me.”
Luke 9:23 – “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves…”
7. Politics vs. Peace
Trusting in systems and sides creates division.
Trusting in God’s kingdom brings lasting peace.
Isaiah 9:6 – “And the government will be on His shoulders…”
When we trade God’s glory for lesser things, we’re not just dishonoring Him—we’re also shrinking our souls to fit into things that were never meant to hold our identity.
You become like what you worship.
If you find yourself identifying with any of these trades—if you've been holding onto something cheap in place of something holy—don't stay stuck in shame. God’s not mad at you; He’s inviting you back into His presence. Let this prayer be your next step:
Father, thank You for Your glory—so rich, so beautiful, so beyond anything this world could offer. Forgive me for the times I’ve traded Your presence for things that don’t last and don’t satisfy. Open my eyes to the places in my life where I’ve settled for cheap substitutes. Help me to treasure You above all else. Teach me to walk in Your ways, to seek what’s eternal, and to reflect Your glory in everything I do. I don’t want to live for what’s temporary. I want to live for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Make It Personal. Take a few moments and ask yourself:
What have I been tempted to trade God’s glory for lately?
Am I holding onto something cheap that’s taking the place of something holy?
What would it look like for me to re-center my life around God’s glory this week?
Which of the seven trades hit closest to home—and what step can I take to reverse it?
God is inviting you back—not to guilt, but to glory.
