How can you align your actions with seeking "the glory that comes from God"? The Key Verse “How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44) Understanding God’s Glory • God’s glory is His revealed excellence—His character, power, and honor made visible (Exodus 33:18–19; Isaiah 6:3). • Believers are called to reflect that glory rather than compete for human applause (1 Corinthians 10:31). • Seeking His glory keeps our motives pure, aligning our hearts with His purposes (Psalm 115:1). Recognize the Temptation of Human Praise • Human applause is immediate, tangible, and addictive (John 12:43). • It subtly shifts focus from serving Christ to curating an image (Galatians 1:10). • When we crave earthly recognition, faith weakens because trust migrates from God to people (John 5:44). Practical Steps to Seek His Glory 1. Start each day acknowledging Him: “Your name, not mine, be honored today” (Matthew 6:9). 2. Evaluate motives: ask, “Would I still do this if no one notices?” (Colossians 3:23–24). 3. Pursue unseen service—acts known only to God (Matthew 6:3–4). 4. Redirect praise: when affirmed, respond, “Thank You, Lord,” giving credit to Him (Psalm 115:1). 5. Saturate the mind with Scripture; glory seekers are word lovers (Psalm 119:9–11). 6. Stay in community that celebrates God, not personalities (Hebrews 10:24–25). 7. Embrace trials that strip away self-glory; suffering refines motives (1 Peter 1:6–7). Guardrails for Everyday Choices • Social Media: post to edify, not to harvest likes (Ephesians 4:29). • Work: aim for excellence that points colleagues to Christ’s excellence (Titus 2:9–10). • Family: lead in humility, serving rather than demanding recognition (Mark 10:43–45). • Ministry: measure success by faithfulness, not numbers (1 Corinthians 4:1–2). • Finances: give generously in secret, trusting God’s reward (Matthew 6:1–4). Encouraging Examples from Scripture • Moses declined Pharaoh’s palace to identify with God’s people (Hebrews 11:24–26). • John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). • The widow’s two small coins drew Christ’s commendation, unseen by the crowd (Mark 12:41–44). • Paul counted all personal accolades as loss “that I may gain Christ” (Philippians 3:7–8). Final Encouragement Living for God’s glory reorders every ambition, frees us from the treadmill of human approval, and anchors faith in the One whose honor endures forever (Revelation 5:13). |
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