His Glory, Not That of the World

‘How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?’

John 5 vs 44

The above words, spoken by Jesus to the Jewish leaders as they probed him from all manner of angles, have quite rightly always been interpreted as a rebuke of a group of people whose only interest was their own selfish gain and influence.
But whilst reading this chapter a few days ago, the following question popped into my head:

‘Whose glory do you seek?’

Needless to say, it was a somewhat uncomfortable enquiry. But before proceeding, I will give you some background with regards to its poignancy.

For some days during the previous week, I’d been feeling rather low; couldn’t quite put my finger on the precise reason, but deep down I recognised the root of it – not having this or that, wanting this or that, and generally feeling as though I’m not doing well enough until I have this or that. In other words, I had entertained the ‘want’ side of my brain to the point of giving it free reign. For about five days or so, I simply couldn’t find any contentment, joy or peace of mind. Only when I came across John chapter 5 did those clouds begin to disperse. And when that question – whose glory do you seek? – popped into my head, I realised that I had been in the dumps because I desired certain things in order to be seen as a success in the eyes of the world.

As some of you know, I teach primary and secondary school children creative writing and English. As such, like most teachers, I take lesson plans very seriously. Several months ago, at the start of one of my Storybook Club Saturday classes, one of the children asked a question regarding descriptive writing. I should point out here that we had spent the previous four weeks on descriptive writing, and it definitely wasn’t a part of the equation of that morning’s lesson. But her question, which was mirrored by follow-up questions from two other children, told me they were ready to delve a little deeper. As such, that morning’s lesson went in a completely different direction – led by the children. After the session, I was on such a high. Why? Because I not only realised how much they love the class, but more importantly, how incredibly well they were developing. For me, there is nothing more rewarding than helping children succeed, not only in terms of results, but also with regards to being true to themselves and enjoying what they do. That morning, I realised that when my mind is focused on doing what God created me to do, I’m the happiest person in the world. But when my mind is focused on the things of the world, it is a sure path to misery.

When we seek the glory of the world, we are neither satisfied nor content. And the more we seek it, be it through material gain, fame, influence, power or popularity, the less content and at peace we become.

But when we are true to who God created us to be, and focus on Him, we are not only far happier, but a lot more fulfilled and at peace.

You are fearfully and wonderfully made. God created you to be just the way you are – for His glory. Before you start your day, please say this short prayer.

‘Dear God, thank you for making me as I am. Thank you for loving me just as I am. Thank you for providing for me. Please show me how I can better serve and please you; not because I need to earn your love in anyway, but because it is what you created me for; in Jesus name, Amen.’

Seek not the glory of humankind, but His glory.