Devotional

To God Be the Glory

Michael Beck

“He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” (John 7:18)

Does a pat on the back feel good? Sure. The reward of honor comes by way of recognition and appreciation for a job well done. But is that why we labor?

Motivation matters to God. What are we after when we do something? Where is our eye? Are we looking for a positive response from man or God? God may be applauding us when men boo us, and vice versa. The only thing that should matter to us is what God thinks. So our only question in any service we give is: “Lord, is this pleasing in Your sight?”

When we’ve done something shameful we want to hide it; but when we’ve done something good we want to display it. Jesus warned us against scratching that itch. He said don’t do good to be seen of men; and when you have done a good deed don’t “blow a trumpet” to attract attention to it so you “may have glory of men.” (Mt. 6:1,2)

There simply is no room for “tooting one’s own horn” in serving God. If we are to be true, and have no unrighteousness in us, we cannot seek our own glory. We must seek the glory of Him who sent us. All that we do is to be done in the name of Jesus and for the glory of God only. If God tells you to shine, shine. But let your good works be seen that men may glorify your Father in heaven, and praise His Son who deserves all the credit for all the good things you’ve done.


Michael Beck is a pastor in the Dallas, TX area and the main author on Signpost. Receive a daily devotional he publishes every morning via email.