Text – Psalm 115:1
“Not to us. Not to us Lord. But to your Name we give Glory”
For His Glory Alone. In recent times this has become one of ‘Pop-Christianity Cultures’ favourite catch phrases and lines. Like bumper stickers, its one of those things we say without thinking twice. But what does it actually mean to live and exist for Gods’ glory alone?
To Live for Gods Glory Means Sometimes being Harassed and Discriminated in this world. Think of it – Paul and the other disciples were all persecuted and harassed and with the exception of John – executed for the Gospel. But they lived for God’s glory!
To Live for Gods Glory Sometimes Means Living an Uncomfortable Life this Side of Heaven. Lets look at Paul again and countless saints through the ages who had to live with one form of infirmity or another. Sometimes these infirmities are the showcases through which God shows his Glory. Like the Apostle Paul said, “I Will boast in my weakness so Christ Strength may Rest on Me”
To Live For Gods Glory Means Death to Self. Even if living for Gods glory doesn’t involve Harassment and Discomfort it requires Death to Self and that is not Easy. One of Christianity’s favourite verses says, “Let Your Light Shine Before Men that they may see your good deeds and Praise your Father in Heaven above”. The problem is most times we shine our lights so praise may come to us below and that is stealing from God’s glory.
What then Does it Mean to Leave for Gods Glory Alone?
It means to Live everyday with an awareness that our lives don’t belong to us but to God who is not random and had a plan and script for ‘Our Lives’. It means seeing every blessing and apparent storm in our lives as given by God and to always seek – albeit how hard – how they might serve his Glory even at the cost of our extreme displeasure.
Yes, we might never completely free ourselves from self and pride this side of heaven but we must always be careful and watch our hearts. Our Hearts can be deceitful and a check today doesn’t mean we still have the same posture in a week. The bible says guard your heart. A guard never leaves his post. Like David our constant posture should be “Search me oh God!”.
I hope God gives us the grace to always watch out and be conscious of how everything and ourselves can live for his Glory Alone!
The Apostle Paul gave us a mantra for life this side of heaven.
Whether you eat or drink, live your life in a way that glorifies and honors God.
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1 Corinthians 10:31 TPT