SCRIPTURE:
“He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.”
John 7:18
OBSERVATION:
Jesus always acted on behalf of God the Father’s will. He often stated it clearly as well that it was His Father who sent Him. Everything He did was to bring honor and glory to God the Father who sent him. He states here in these scriptures that we should do what we do unto the Lord and His honor, rather then self-recognition, self-gain or self-fulfillment, and so forth. Self-motivation can bring recognition, however it is recognition of “I” and for people to look at us, rather then “He” being the Lord and what He is doing through us, and focus on God the almighty. The fact that He is using us as a vessel brings more honor then we could hope for in “I.” The interesting fact is that we often know that what we do should be unto the Lord and His will. However, selfish desires often creep in and we do not even realize it. Thus, to know His word on glorifying and honoring the Lord is one thing. The key is to realize and recognize the carnal ways of man within each of us in order not to be influenced contrary to His will; and therefore, to do all that we do with an intentional goal, plan and desire to honor and glorify Him.
APPLICATION:
Being an “A” type person, motivated to succeed all my life by my upbringing, and being educated and trained to be goal oriented, and seek rates of returns by my corporate background; it is often easy for me not to realize that I am operating in a mode of “self” and returns, rather then the will and glory of the Lord. I do find myself often motivated by what people will say about what I can achieve, or what I’ve been able to gain or accomplish for myself, family and even the church. I then thankfully realize what is taking place and have to get myself back on track to keep God’s will in my plans, mind and heart. Yet, “self’ can be so underlying and camouflaged within my character. It is scriptures such as these that remind me of the “whys” of what I am doing.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, I know who I am and my carnality within. I know my tendencies and how my upbringing and past experience can influence me to “self” tendencies. Thank you for your word that opens my eyes and gets me back on track. The key I pray is for you to guide me through the Holy Spirit to remember and enact your word in my life to do your will and not mine, and that it would be for your glory and not mine. I pray for your continued guidance speaking to me in whatever way you choose, that my motives would be honoring and glorifying to you.
