Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Who Is Getting the Glory?

     This morning I was reading in John, chapter 7, but couldn't seem to get past verse 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."
     When I gave my life to Jesus, I surrendered my will to His Will, to do whatever He had for me to do and and to go wherever He desired to send me.  This verse seems to be saying then, that my intentions when I speak will be to seek glory for Him, who sent me, never out of personal ambition to be recognized.
   How different our world would be if this really was our intention--to never speak on our own, but to only say those things that would bring glory to the One who sent us.  If we tested what we were about to say with the question, "Will this bring glory to God," and then continued the conversation only if the answer was "Yes," what a difference it would make in us and in the world!  Our hearts would overflow with gratitude, and we would become men and women of truth with nothing false about us.  (Wouldn't this be a wonderful goal of politicians, too?) What a refreshing idea! 
    Jesus, how often I have brought attention to myself in conversation!  How often I have enjoyed the attention I've received from doing something good!  I have received glory when the glory was due you?  Forgive me, Lord!  Oh, that I would immediately give honor in my heart to You who made it possible--the One who gave me the opportunity, the idea, the ability, the time, the money, the place, the desire?  I ask, Lord, that you remind me before I speak, for whom am I seeking glory? Amen
   

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