Three Way Battle
I have this funny picture in my head of three high school boys trying to prove who is better in the weight room. Who can lift more who looks the most impressive. This battle for glory! Since the beginning of time there has been a “Three-Way Battle” that’s been going on. Not in a sport, not for the job promotion, not even for the last opening in Grad School. It has been a “Three-Way Battle” for who gets the glory.
The first one in this battle, and rightfully so, is our God and Lord Jesus Christ. He is the one that created all things into existence and holds all power in His hands. Isaiah 48:9 talks about how God is zealous for His glory, “For my name’s sake I defer my anger, for the sake of my praise I restrain it.” God is thinking about His glory; what affects it and what will take away from it. God is so passionate about His glory being made known, but sadly there are two others who are passionate about making their own glory known.
The second one is Satan. Isaiah 14:14 says, “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” Satan was cast out of heaven because of his fight to receive glory that wasn’t rightfully his. He has this disgusting pride that causes him to make claims that he is better than God. So how does Satan battle for glory today? We just have to look around at the power of darkness and the destruction that it’s creating, Satan is loving it. He also convinced mankind to join in this battle starting in the Garden of Eden when he deceived Adam and Eve.
The last contender is this battle is you and I. I know you have probably experienced this before when someone else got the credit for the work that you had done. When that happens, we have this desire to let everyone one know that you are the one who is supposed to receive credit. We accomplish something great and have this eagerness to tell everyone about our feat! We get trapped in this cycle of striving for our own glory whenever we accomplish something.
In the end Satan is going to be put to shame. His end is already decided and it will come to nothing. But you and I, our end is dependent on how we respond to our desire for glory. If our life can bring constant glory to Jesus Christ, then our reward will be great in the end. How do I know if I am living for my glory or God’s glory? It’s easy; your motives will point to who you are trying to bring glory to. Here are some questions to ask yourself what your motives are:
1. Do I do the things I do as a way to bring God glory and draw people closer to Christ or myself?
2. What is my reason for success in school or goal in attaining my degree? Is it to accomplish my dreams or God’s dreams?
3. Is my work ethic God glorifying? Do I work hard or not work hard for my own desires?
4. When I accomplish something great, can I refrain from telling anybody about it?
5. When telling of victories or accomplishments, do I leave my name out of the story and put God’s name in it?
Let’s live for the Glory of God! He is worthy of it all!
Love you
Pastor Bryce