For The Glory Of Christ

For The Glory of Christ

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:8)

The world celebrates "individualism": the pursuit of personal fulfillment. Our society emphasizes the accomplishments of the individual, the needs of the individual, the overriding importance of the individual.

Not all of the results of this attitude have been bad. Our society has undergone many needed reforms. We have begun to understand that individuals--regardless of race--should be afforded certain rights and privileges, like not being the slaves of others.

Nevertheless, the gospel teaches us to subject ourselves, our interests, even our lives to the glory of God and His Christ.

We do not know how long John "the Baptizer" preached, but we know he lived a difficult life while preparing the Jews for the arrival of Jesus. As Jesus' popularity grew, John and his disciples could see the end of their mission. John did not receive a special place--or any place--in the earthly ministry of Jesus. John did not receive an honorable retirement. Instead he suffered imprisonment and execution through a woman's spite and a girl's whim.

What was John's attitude as he saw the end of his ministry approaching? How did he view the growing popularity of Jesus and the declining crowds he garnered?

You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before Him.' He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:28-30)

John even spoke of the joy he felt over the success of Jesus' ministry. A great attitude of a great man! John understood his place and his mission. He had the satisfaction of knowing that he had accomplished his goal. He knew how great Jesus was (John 1:27). He was happy to serve His God.

Jesus taught us to have the same attitude. He expressed His own purpose in terms of service to the glory of God:

For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. (John 6:38)

He told us to behave the same:

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)

Our service to God is not for our glory on earth, but God's. The apostle Paul spoke of his own attitude about a life of service to God:

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Paul was uniquely qualified to comment on this. He was headed for earthly greatness before his conversion. He sacrificed it all for a life of poverty, persecution and pain.

Did Paul regret the sacrifice? Was he bitter? When old, forsaken and cold, he wrote these words from the depths of some Roman prison:

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. (2 Timothy 1:12)

Jesus requires the same attitude from us. When Peter sought to stop Jesus from His final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus rebuked Peter sharply. Not only would Jesus be sacrificing His life, His followers must do the same:

"If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. . ." (Matthew 16:24)

But what a trivial thing! We merely sacrifice a temporary life of uncertain pleasures for an eternal life of joy and rest! Not through individual accomplishment, but by the marvelous grace of God we can enjoy eternity with God. Peter knew well when he said,

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time. . . . (1 Peter 5:6)

If you will live this temporary life for the glory of Christ, He will grant you an eternal life with Him.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)