If there is one consistent message that is being preached across all forms of media, from Hollywood to iTunes, it is “Glorify Yourself.” Though it might be dressed up nicely as “Be true to who you are” or abbreviated as “YOLO,” the message of ultimately living to make yourself happy is expressed so often, and so vividly that it seems to be a natural value that all should express.
It is interesting, then, that we find this statement from Jesus the Christ in Scripture: “I am not seeking glory for myself” (John 8:50), and later, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing” (v. 54a). Think on those statements. The sinless Messiah, the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world, the one man in all of history who would have every right to seek His own glory, does not try to grab glory for Himself from men. Why? The rest of verse 54 explains: “My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.” Jesus knew that He glorified the Father, and the Father glorified Him, and that was more than enough. Is it any wonder that when Satan offered Christ “all the kingdoms of the world…all their authority and splendor” that Jesus replied with “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only” (Luke 4:5-8)?
Friends, mankind is depraved, full of deceit, and unrighteous. Whatever worldly praise we gather for ourselves is as worthless as cash from a counterfeiter. Let us not buy into the thinking of seeking glory for ourselves, whatever form that message comes in. Let us seek to give God all of our glory, and do what pleases Him so that we may receive grace, mercy, and favor from the One who is truly qualified to give it. As the hymn writer wrote “Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet…Glory to His name.”
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Andrew Zoschke
It is interesting, then, that we find this statement from Jesus the Christ in Scripture: “I am not seeking glory for myself” (John 8:50), and later, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing” (v. 54a). Think on those statements. The sinless Messiah, the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world, the one man in all of history who would have every right to seek His own glory, does not try to grab glory for Himself from men. Why? The rest of verse 54 explains: “My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me.” Jesus knew that He glorified the Father, and the Father glorified Him, and that was more than enough. Is it any wonder that when Satan offered Christ “all the kingdoms of the world…all their authority and splendor” that Jesus replied with “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only” (Luke 4:5-8)?
Friends, mankind is depraved, full of deceit, and unrighteous. Whatever worldly praise we gather for ourselves is as worthless as cash from a counterfeiter. Let us not buy into the thinking of seeking glory for ourselves, whatever form that message comes in. Let us seek to give God all of our glory, and do what pleases Him so that we may receive grace, mercy, and favor from the One who is truly qualified to give it. As the hymn writer wrote “Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet…Glory to His name.”
Soli Deo Gloria!
Pastor Andrew Zoschke