Reap the Benefits of Glorifying God

Since becoming a Christian, I have tried to glorify God through my lifestyle and have reaped many benefits from living this way, just as God promised we would.

While I want to think I am a good Christian woman with only pure motives all the time. I was reading a book a while back that challenged me.

I had to ask myself, do I have a deep need of having people look up to me? Do I need to seem essential or wise to others? What is my motive for doing good things? Is it for the admiration of others? If so, I need to think deeply about any weaknesses in my mental attitude. Much as I would like to say no, I’m perfect! I hate to admit it, but I am not!

This country seems to be going to the dogs in many ways because it feels like this is a self-centered society. Yes, many of us do good things. Many are well-educated and appear to be in control and on top of everything. The problem is that we are often self-centered, egotistical people. We must guard against our egos controlling us and, as Christians, realize that all we have accomplished and acquired are God-given gifts. These talents are some of the benefits of Christianity. We need to glorify God for our abilities.

“Jesus said to them, “You are the kind of people who make yourselves look good before other people. God knows your hearts; what men think is good is hated in the eyes of God.”

                                                                                 Luke 16:15 NLV

Yes, it is nice to be surrounded by friends who think highly of us, but is it at the cost of discounting others? Do we need a few people to follow us because we are the ring leader? Who made us the head of the group? Are we really that special? I thought God created us all equal! We should ask ourselves, am I being arrogant? How can I make others feel they matter? Have you ever noticed that you experience a heart-warming sensation while making someone else feel better about themselves or their situation?

Yes, we are more gifted than others at certain things, but we will have weaknesses where the less endowed

(in our eyes) person excels past us in other areas. We are all important to someone or a cause, and God loves everyone – even the ones no one else accepts. God knows what they’ve been through and understands their reasoning, even if it isn’t logical. While He may disapprove of their actions or attitudes, He loves them anyway.

“God has chosen you. You are holy and loved by Him. Because of this, your new life should be full of loving pity. You should be kind to others and have no pride. Be gentle and be willing to wait for others. Try to understand other people. Forgive each other. If you have something against someone, forgive him. That is the way the Lord forgave you.”    Col. 3:12-13 NLV

What matters to everyone else and God is, do we care about others? Do we lift their spirits and care about their needs? Or, do we pay lip service about how we give ten bucks to society, and they should get a job or buckle up and plow through their problems?

Who are we to judge others? We must remember that God is the ultimate judge and judges according to our inner beings – not what people see on the outside.

“Your heavenly Father will forgive you if you forgive those who sin against you; but if you refuse to forgive them, He will not forgive you.”                      Matt. 6:14 LB

Status symbols help people enhance and protect a person’s standing in society. According to society, the higher echelon gets invited to the best parties, hangs out with the ‘right’ crowd, and generally has many advantages over the everyday workforce. Some are humble, help others, and genuinely care about other people. Unfortunately, many become self-absorbed and forget about the needs of others unless they can gain something by helping.

An arrogant person must protect their reputation at all costs, diminishing their character. This attitude creates a false view of success. Albert Einstein once said, “Try not to become a man of success, but a man of value.”

I believe by doing so, your live will be fulfilling and happy.