“This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” (John 21:19 NKJV)
“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (1 Peter 4:16 NKJV)
If it be asked how creatures as feeble and ungrateful as we are, can glorify God, I answer, by conducting ourselves in such a manner as naturally tends to make him appear glorious, amiable and excellent in the view of his creatures. A son, for instance, honors his parents, when he evidently loves, reverences, confides in, and obeys them; because such conduct tends to make those who know him think favorably of his parents. A subject honors his sovereign when he cheerfully submits to his authority, and appears to be contented and happy in his government; because this tends to give others a favorable opinion of his sovereign. So men honor and glorify God, when they show by their conduct that they consider him the most perfect and best of beings, and love, reverence and confide in him as such; for these things naturally tend to excite a high estimation of God, in the minds of their fellow creatures—Edward Payson.
The highest calling we have is to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). The cross is not a badge of honor among those of the world, but is a curse (Galatians 3:13). However, for the believer it must be a way of life.
If you have come to Christ hoping to have all your temporal problems solved, you will most likely be disappointed. It could be that God will give you some temporary relief from your troubles, but it won’t be long until He begins to pry the world from your hands.
Whatever lusts you hold onto, God will take them from your affections that you might set your affections on Him. It must be this way for no one can serve two masters. As it is written, “. . . either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24 AV)
Glorify God today by making a decision to honor Him in every situation. Remember to live for the next life. Don’t go out and do something foolish in an emotional rush, but do be sensitive to God’s promptings. You know the things that have become idols in your life. Make sure you are willing to give them up if you cannot keep them in their proper place.
Father, we thank you for the many blessing you have given us. Forgive us when we refuse to be thankful and begin to demand such comforts. The only thing we really need in this world is You. You have promised to take care of all our needs. Let us always walk humbly before you for your name’s sake, amen.
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