How can we ensure our "glory" remains by staying faithful to God? Setting the scene: glory on the line “She said, ‘The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been captured.’” (1 Samuel 4:22) The verse is blunt: lose God’s presence and you lose glory. That sobering moment gives us a roadmap for keeping glory intact—stay faithful, keep Him close. What Scripture means by “glory” - The felt, weighty presence of God (Exodus 40:34-35) - The honor He gives to those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30) - The radiance that sets His people apart (Isaiah 60:1-2) Glory isn’t abstract; it is God Himself dwelling, protecting, guiding, and displaying His beauty through us. How glory slips away - Treating holy things as common (Leviticus 10:3) - Persistent disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15) - Divided loyalties—wanting God plus idols, pleasures, or public opinion (James 4:4) How to ensure our glory remains - Guard God’s presence - Prioritize sincere worship, not empty routine (John 4:23-24) - Refuse any compromise that grieves the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30) - Live Scripture, don’t just quote it - Daily absorb and obey His Word (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 119:11) - Measure every decision against clear commands - Walk in covenant loyalty - Cling to the Lord, not just His blessings (Joshua 23:8,11) - Keep short accounts—quick confession restores fellowship (1 John 1:9) - Cultivate wholehearted obedience - “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” (John 14:23) - Obedience invites God to “set up house” with us—glory that stays - Stay relationally connected to believers - Encourage one another daily so no one is hardened by sin’s deceit (Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25) - Keep Christ central - “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) - When He remains enthroned in the heart, glory never departs Daily checkpoints for faithfulness - Morning: ask, “Am I depending on God’s presence today?” - Mid-day: re-align “Is my current task honoring Him?” - Evening: examine “Did I obey or excuse?” Repent quickly, rejoice deeply. Small, consistent checks keep us from the drift that cost Israel their glory. Closing encouragement God longs to manifest His glory through a faithful people (2 Chronicles 16:9). Honor Him, cherish His nearness, and the glory that once departed will instead remain, grow, and shine. |
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