Glory Series

Confessions of a Pastor

“Glory”

February 11, 2007

“Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your truth, we wait for you;

your name and renown are the desire of our souls.” Isaiah 26:8

That is such a great verse, but how often do we really live it out?

It is so easy for us to get caught up in trying to be right or to look good in others eyes that we miss truly giving God the honor and glory he deserves.

So often I am worried about my reputation and not God’s.

The goal of my life should be God’s glory.

“For everything comes from God alone. Everything lives by his power, and everything is for his glory. To him be glory evermore.” Romans 11:36 (Living Bible)

"Teacher, we know how honest you are. You teach about the way of God regardless of the consequences. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. 17 Now tell us what you think about this: Is it right to pay taxes to the Roman government or not?" 18 But Jesus knew their evil motives. "You hypocrites!" he said. "Whom are you trying to fool with your trick questions? 19 Here, show me the Roman coin used for the tax." When they handed him the coin, 20 he asked, "Whose picture and title are stamped on it?" 21 "Caesar’s," they replied. "Well, then," he said, "give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.” Matthew 22:16-21 (NLT)

The issue was not one of money, but of worship.

Inscription: “The worshipped son of a worshipped god.”

How often do we insert ourselves into that role? How often are we focused on the desires of glorifying ourselves and our reputation instead glorifying God?

Helpful hints:

1) Focus your life on the greatest priority.

"’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22:37-38

When we are focused on loving God, we deflect praise from ourselves to Him. (Tony Dungy Quote)

2) Take God seriously. (Rudyard Kipling Quote)

When we have a proper view of God, it helps us to have a realistic view of ourselves.

"I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be stripped of everything when I die. The LORD gave me everything I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!" Job 1:21 (NLT)

3) Give up your rights.

"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 (NLT)

“Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” Colossians 3:17 (The Message)