John 7: 18
” Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.”
This verse makes me feel very self-conscious. I occasionally have the opportunity to speak to Believers about God and His Word. For a person who enjoys the attention that being a speaker brings, there is always a danger of getting caught up in the glory of being in the spotlight. When that happens what we say becomes less important than saying what will get us more attention.
Even with the best of intentions, getting caught up in the personal glory of the moment often winds up going bad. At that moment, when we realize that we have gone out on a limb and have sawn most of the way through it behind us, there is a sinking feeling… Oops!
The cure is to be so focused on our Creator that all we want is for Him to be glorified. Jesus was that way. Everything he did was to glorify his Father.
Q: How do we know if we are caught up seeking our own glory, or if we are seeking glory for our Father in Heaven?
Prayer before acting, Never accept even the slightest compliment for words spoken or deeds done by God through you. Always give credit to our Lord for “every good thing” coming from our lives.
In other words, live in truth. ” No good thing comes from us.”
Our strength in God comes as we examine and accept our totally helpless state, and live seeking/acknowledging the glory of God in our lives.
If this bothers us in the slightest way, If we cannot accept this truth, we have a problem and need to seek help from God as we examine ourselves. If we have a problem doing this, WE HAVE A REAL PROBLEM.
Embrace Gods sovereignty in all things, walk in peace knowing He is in control 24/7, and never seek to touch His glory in any way. Dedicate ourselves to knowing our place.
This is a hard one to live out, it is so easy to do things for ones own glory. I have to look at my intentions and goals to evaluate this.
This is very difficult. Removing our ego is an inner evaluation with every word we speak and every action we take. The attitude constantly before us could be what we see in John the Baptist when Jesus was receiving glory rather than himself: “He must increase but I must decrease” (John 3: 30).
I really appreciate the responses today. Thank you! We do have a problem. Humility is part of the cure. Prayer is needed. Self examination is needed. Allowing Jesus to increase in our lives while we decrease is important. That last sounds a bit odd to the ear but makes sense to the spirit.
As to Ron’s comment about accepting complements for God’s work: We cannot control what others do or say, but we do have control over how we respond internally. Sometimes we get the chance to explain to others that it is really God at work, but at all times we can personally acknowledge God’s presence in our lives.
I apologize, I did not mean to infer we have an easy task ahead of us. Jesus tells us to consider the costs in Luke 14:25-35. They are great.
I was simply pointing out some areas of my own life where I have been required to put effort into giving over to God.. The few points are by no means a full list. We must die to self and allow Jesus Christ to grow in each of us. The Holy Spirit of God will give each the power to overcome our flesh and act through each of us as He presents Christ to the world. We have been left here on earth after our salvation to be lights of God, glorify God to the ever increasing darkness coming upon this world.
No, in no way shape or form is it easy to obey our God. But it is the job we are called to do.
I think the worst part is looking around and seeing the majority, who have given themselves over to the evil master of this world and are now living life in a borderline if not totally insane state.
Keep reaching out and glorifying God every chance you get men, you never can tell when someone is being brought to you by God, under conviction of the Holy Spirit, and is ready to receive what Christ in you is ready to tell them. Let the Holy Trinity work.