RELIGION —
A verse in the Gospel of John caught my attention. In describing Jewish leaders who believed in Jesus but were afraid to admit it, John says “they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God” (12:43, ESV). Other translations render that verse this way: “they loved praise from men more than praise from God” (NIV).
That prompts an examination of my own motives. Am I consistently seeking the approval of God more than the applause of men? Is earthly glory more important than God’s glory?
I must admit that, after preaching for 72 years, I still sometimes want someone to tell me “You’ve still got it,” though in my heart I know that’s my pride messing with me. And long ago I realized that every sermon should be an offering to God, with a prayer that He will use it for His glory, not mine. What God thinks is more important than the response of my hearers, for my true “audience” is God.
When I receive a compliment for a sermon, I try to remember two things. One, that John Wesley often responded to accolades by saying: “Praise the Maker, not the vessel.” Two, that Adlai Stevenson once said, “Flattery is all right so long as you don’t inhale.”
It is, of course, perfectly normal to desire the approval of others. But it is imperative is that we learn to value God’s approval more than the praise of others.
Saint Paul explains our dilemma in his Letter to the Galatians: “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.” This conflict between “the flesh” and God’s will lingers throughout our lives. Our “flesh” keeps begging for the praise of men. Paul says the solution is to “walk or live by the Spirit.” So Paul teaches us if we “keep in step with the Spirit,” we will not become conceited, full of pride and “thinking more of ourselves that we ought” (Romans 12:3).
It all boils down to this: Am I living to give glory to God or to gain glory for myself? In his high priestly prayer in John 17, Jesus said to his Father, “I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.” Here the example of Jesus reminds me that I give glory to God by fulfilling His purpose for my life.
Then speaking about his disciples, Jesus said, “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” What a magnificent thought — that our Lord Jesus shares His glory with His disciples!
There it is! How may I give God glory? By being one with the Father, one with Jesus, one with my brothers and sisters, so that our unity is living evidence that God sent Jesus to let the world know how much He loves us.
Lord, in your mercy, give us victory over the flesh, that we who belong to Christ may seek your glory and not our own.