A Vain Glory

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

John 5:44 (NIV)

After 50 years of ministry, an 86-year-old pastor decided to retire. He convened the church committee to choose his successor from among the five most active and involved young theology students—those they considered truly called. During the interviews, four were rejected, all but one. Their failure stemmed from a single question they answered poorly: “What attracts you most to pastoral ministry?”

One might think that this question shouldn’t cause someone to lose their calling. Unfortunately, many of us would give it up if our primary desire weren’t to serve and please God. Those who failed saw the glory and respect that this position would bring them. They didn’t see God’s flock. They didn’t focus on its spiritual needs or its edification. They didn’t answer God’s call in their lives because of the glory they sought.

What interests you most in your ministry? Is it the attention and recognition it brings you, or the glory of God? It is this kind of attitude that prevents us from seeking God's will. In the previous verse, Jesus was speaking to the Jewish leaders who rejected His divinity for fear of losing their own glory. They preferred the glory of men to that of God. When you act wholeheartedly for the glory of God, He also glorifies you in the eyes of men.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.