GLORY TO THE LORD

I was having a discussion with a friend of mine the other day and we both agreed that a really big flag with regards to people’s real “spiritual” motives is who gets the glory for their works. To me, when it comes to serving the Lord, it is His spirit that works through us. We are His obedient vessel and it is our hands doing the work, it is HIS energy or inspiration.

As I writer I do write using my own words, but do I draw only from my own inspiration or imagination? Oh perhaps in terms of some tale I’m writing, but when it comes to the gift of any revelation that is only God’s doing in my opinion. I just enjoy celebrating the shear fact that despite my sin and failures, he still in his mercy finds some use for my soul and essence.

So any good that comes from what I do, I see as God’s glory not mind. I’m content with just to celebrate partaking in the process.

In the pomp and circumstance of “look at me” spiritual circuses where one dons his or her best mask for self-righteous piety, it is easy to allow the limelight to shine only on one’s face. Being mortal and flawed we have plenty of reason to crave some attention.

However, in reflection, what I have oft times observed is how the most genuine of spirits and souls seemed to be the quiets ones in terms of boasting. They in muted display of words went about with a calming smile rejoicing in whatever they did that could in some way bring glory to the Lord.

Ironically, it seemed to me that those who were totally consumed with trying to gleam glory for themselves ended up the unhappiest in the process. Each act of “look at me” only fueled an obsession for more attention rather than any satisfaction. There just was never the point obtained where one found a peace of fulfillment.

Thus is the peril of the soul. To walk in God’s light and not forget that it is his light guiding the way and not our light. When we think our brilliances casts a perfect illumination it only blinds us to the pride that seduces.

Being blinded by that light long enough clouds one’s vision of heaven. We can easily slip into the stupidity of thought that somehow we can be clothed in the radiance of our own greatness. Those fateful words “Well done” that the Lord will say in heaven will be commended to the good and faithful servant. The good part is in reality, given Jesus said none are good, can only be HIS goodness that comes from his spirit. The other element is of course faith.

And it is to me the absence of obsession with thinking ourselves the center of the known world or in any way the perfect expression of a servant. One step after another, we walk by faith and not by sight. Hopefully we do so without stubbing our toe the impediments of pride that often cause us to stumble.