2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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WHO ARE WE SERVING?
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17
1 Thessalonians 2:6
Matthew 23
“Nor of men sought we glory…”
WHO ARE WE SERVING?
Jesus sternly rebuked the scribes and the Pharisees for their religious hypocrisy. They were supposed to have been the spiritual leaders of the Jews. They were self-professed experts of the law and on the surface seemed to be so zealous in their service of God. However, Jesus knew their hearts. He knew that their concern was not at all for God or His Word. They rejected Jesus and refused to believe that He is the Christ, “for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:43). That is why He thoroughly denounced them, that “all their works they do for to be seen of men… ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity” (Matt 23:5, 28). While they claimed to be serving God, they were really only serving themselves.
This is something that we must all be very careful of when we serve the Lord. Paul was conscious of that and took pains to ensure that his motives were never doubted. He clarified that in all that he did while he was preaching the Gospel in Thessalonica, he never did it for the glory of men or for the advancement of self.
How about us? What is it that motivates us to serve the Lord? Are we truly doing all things for the glory of God, or are we seeking our own glory? On the surface, we should know what the right answer ought to be, yet in practice, it is sometimes hard to discern. The praise of men can be something rather addictive. When we gain recognition for our hard work; when others think highly of us and shower us with praises because of our deeds, it can quickly become the idol that pushes us to want more. Our focus is then taken away from the glory of God, and we do things only because we crave the approval of men.
We must be careful to ensure that our service is truly for the Lord alone, done out of a pure heart of devotion to God. We must never rob God of the glory that is due His name.
THOUGHT: Which am I more excited about? When others praise God, or when they praise me?
PRAYER: Father, may I always seek only Thy glory in all that I do for Thee.