(Devotions this week based on Sunday’s Message: Pray Like Jesus! Pray for Divine Glorification! – CLICK HERE)
But the work’s not done.
We love to hear the words, “Mission Accomplished,” but that doesn’t mean there isn’t more work to do. Jesus’ mission to complete the work the Father sent him to do is accomplished. Yet his work continues on this earth through us.
Our world needs more divine glorification over self-glorification.
Starting with ourselves.
It’s hard to work for the glory of God, because our sinful nature continues to pull us to work for the glory of self. When we do a good job, especially if our love language is words of affirmation, we want the recognition. When we serve hard at church, we want someone to notice. When we do something to help our neighbor, we want others to notice.
How can we tell?
When no one notices, how do you react? Does it bother you? Or do you just keep moving on? Probably more often than not, we are bothered when no one recognizes what we do. (Certainly giving affirmation and encouragement to people is also part of our Christian duty and way to express love…let’s not forget that!).
When we stop giving our best, serving others, and making an impact because no one notices, it might be an indicator that our hearts are leaning more to self-glorification instead of divine glorification.
Jesus taught his disciples and those who were listening on the mountainside, “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven.”
The Apostle Paul said, “Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.”
The first step is to repent of the need for self-glorification.
Second is to ask the Spirit of God to keep our hearts and minds focused on divine glorification.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
The work of Christ is complete, yet the work to carry his message to the world continues. The world is full of self-glorification. People have sinful natures that seek self-promotion, attention, and accolades. Social media is full of attention seeking individuals who find their significance in how many people like or follow them. The glory of God in creation is overshadowed by the teaching of evolution. The glory of God in male and female, marriage and family is overshadowed by transgender ideology, easy divorce and exploitation of sex and making meaningful relationships a thing of the past.
Our world needs to once again see the glory of God. God has revealed his glory to us so that we can be his people to let the world see him!
Apply: How can you let the glory of God be seen and known today?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being the amazing, loving, kind, and powerful God you are. As we see and marvel at your glory, may we be used by you to bring the glory of God to the world around us! AMEN
NOTE: Because of family vacation, the next two weeks of devotions will be readings of the Passion History from Holy Week. Enjoy the journey to the cross this Lenten Season!