Seeking the glory of God and seeking the salvation of the lost are not two distinct goals

I don’t want us to make the mistake ... of separating the desire for people’s salvation and the desire that God be glorified. Think for a moment: What happens when a person who is lost becomes saved? Objectively, they pass from death to eternal life, from condemnation to justification, from alienation to reconciliation with God. Subjectively, they cease to rely on themselves or good works or idols and rely on God’s mercy. They cease to glory in themselves and begin to glory in the cross of Christ and the grace of God. When salvation comes to the lost a new heart is given which glorifies God by trusting in him and enjoying him and obeying him. Do you see what this means? Seeking the glory of God and seeking the salvation of the lost are not two distinct goals. The salvation of the lost is the new creation of persons who glorify God for his mercy. If you love people, you will want for them more than anything else the maximum eternal joy of knowing God as Savior in Jesus Christ. And if you love God, you will want nothing more than that his glory be known and enjoyed and magnified by the salvation of as many people as possible. It is the genius and beauty and wonder of God’s redemption that the pursuit of the lost and the pursuit of God’s glory are one pursuit.

(The quote above is from a Jan. 22, 1984, sermon titled "Tell How Much the Lord Has Done for You!" by John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org)