Who Gets the Glory?

You’re still breathing.  That means God wants you to stay in the world, at least for now.  But God does not want you to be of the world. 

What does it mean to be “of the world?”  It means to abandon God and be in love with yourself.  It means your life is all about the worship of pleasure, power and possessions.  It might even mean that you give God a little lip service, you attend church on occasion, and you claim, “Yes, I’m a Christian.”  And yet, instead of repenting and listening to his holy Word, your heart stays far from God and keeps overflowing with greed. 

Being immersed in an “of the world” lifestyle might seem ordinary, and even normal.  But that doesn’t mean that it’s right.  And it doesn’t mean you should fear that you’re missing out by living “in” the world but not being “of” the world.  Christian, you have a fantastic opportunity to shine!  The Bible says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us  (I Peter 2:12).”

Sure, someone might ridicule you for going to church on Sundays instead of having ME-time.  Sure, someone might dismiss you because you believe that all sex outside of marriage is sinful.  It certainly isn’t popular to announce, “Human beings are essentially sinful” rather than assuming that they are essentially good.  You’ll feel some heat as a result of speaking God’s truth in love.

So is it possible to enjoy an “in the world, but not of the world” way of life?  It is when you ponder someone special getting glorified in the end.  And that special someone is not you!  It’s God!  Look closely at the Bible verse for today’s message…“they may see your good deeds and glorify God…”  Worldly people see your Jesus-first good deeds, and God gets the glory in the end.  Isn’t that cool?  Nobody can stop God from getting glorified on Judgment Day!  If you are accused of wrongdoing because you love Jesus, that is a GOOD thing.  It’s proof that your heart is where God wants it to be.  It’s proof that you and God are on the same page.  You’ll be on the welcoming side of Judgment Day, and God is glorified in that! 

So – as you enjoy living IN this world, resist the temptation to be OF this world!

Prayer:   Lord, I’m but a stranger here – heaven is my home.  Earth is a desert drear – heaven is my home.  Dangers and sorrows stand – ’round me on every hand – but heaven is my fatherland!  Heaven is my home.  Amen.