Don't Be A Glory-Hog!

I can be a glory-hog. Not proud of it, but it’s true. 

Last night, I was reading in the gospel of Matthew and this verse really jumped out at me:

“Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

I’ve read this verse more times than I can count. And the song “This Little Light of Mine.” always plays in my head...no lie. But that’s beside the point. :)

Anyway, the last part of the verse is what really hit me. Why are we commanded to let our light shine before men in the first place? 

“...that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

God’s glory is the point! I thought I knew that, and it seems like a no-brainer when you actually think about it, but so many times my focus is completely off when I am “shining” my light through good deeds. My pride can get in the way and I practice righteousness to be seen by men (Matthew 6:1) ...thus trying to bring glory to myself. 

How does the Lord feel about this?

“I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another...” (Isaiah 42:8)

“...and My glory I will not give to another.” (Isaiah 48:11)

Glory is not something that the Lord shares. And how dare I ever try and take it from Him! Why is it so easy for me to lose sight of my purpose? God created me for HIS glory, and not for my own. I am made righteous through Jesus Christ for HIS glory. And any good deed that I do, or any fruit that I bear is for HIM.

“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” (John 15:8)

“For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:15)

It just comes down to this: it’s all about Him. Everything I do, every word I speak, every person I share with, every good deed I ever do is for Him.

 Sounds simple, and it is. But my sinful heart and my pride get in the way every single day. 

 Lord, let me live for Your glory! You dwell inside of me 

and produce every good and decent thing in me. I am 

merely an earthen vessel used to hold an invaluable 

Treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7). Let me not lose sight of 

what I was before You saved me, and the person You 

are making me today is all because of You. I am SO 

thankful for You and what Jesus Christ did for me. 

To You be the glory!