In HOPE

  

 

  In HOPE 10.19

back to home

David Timms  

 

 

http://www.readyshare.com/Users/djtimms@hiu-edu/Rainbow%202.jpg

 

To Consider

"Humility is the most difficult of all virtues to achieve; nothing dies harder than the desire to think well of oneself."
-- T.S. Eliot

 


Prayer for Today

"Father, for Your glory."
"Father, for Your glory."
"Father, for Your glory."
"Father, for Your glory."
"Father, for Your glory."
"Father, for Your glory."

 

 

www.growingdeeper.com

 

 

 


Beyond Us

Our hearts resist humility and constantly search for glory—our own . We want people to thank us, appreciate us, and honor us. We deserve it. We’re entitled to it. And it feels good. Consequently, almost everything we do has a self-centered element. We potentially gain glory from it.

Our stories may mention others but frequently they’re designed to subtly showcase something about us. We want people to know that we are competent, intelligent, and successful ("Windows 7 was my idea!"). And our resumes describe us in ways that few people know us.

The old Mac Davis song was tongue-in-cheek but not so far off the mark. “O Lord, it’s hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in every way.”

Perhaps Andrew Murray got it right a century ago. “Nothing can cure you of the desire to receive glory from men.” But our pursuit of self-glory becomes our undoing. The cheering voices are never enough. Like an addictive drug, we need more and more. And at some point, for some of us, the cheering no longer even registers. We’re hollow. 

The solution to our self-absorption lies in a commitment to glorify Another. Even Jesus said on one occasion, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing.” (John 8:54)

The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God,” (1 Corinthians 10:31) And to the Colossians, “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Colossians 3:17)

Freedom is found in pointing attention away from ourselves, and to Him. Over and over this is the biblical pattern. Ponder even the eternal song of the elders in the Revelation which has this refrain: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive all glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they are created and have their being.” (Revelation 4:11)

Here’s the way forward—not to succeed in self-promotion but to re-direct all glory to Christ. It seems so backwards, so risky—but it’s so true.

Will we look beyond ourselves -- and not look back? Start with this breath-prayer today: "Father, for Your glory" and speak it every twenty minutes. See the change!

In HOPE –

David

 

 

Want to chat more on a topic? Hit "Reply" and share your thoughts.
I'm always happy to explore these issues further.

You can find back issues of "In HOPE" (2005-2010) at http://www.hiu.edu/inhope/ .

David Timms serves in the Graduate Ministry Department at Hope International University in Fullerton, California. "In HOPE", however, is not an official publication of the University and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the Administrators or Board. "In HOPE" has been a regular e-publication since January, 2001.