Pr. 25: 27: “It is not good to eat much honey; so to seek one’s own glory is not glory.”
This verse tells us not to seek our own glory. Who’s glory are we to seek? Jesus said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Mt. 5:16
Do we need seek our glory in order to gain man’s approval? Solomon warned that, “the fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” Pr. 29:25. Worrying about what others think of us only traps us. Paul encouraged the people in Colosse that it is only God’s opinion that matters: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Col. 3:23-24. Man’s opinions are fickle and they can offer nothing of eternal value. When we seek the approval of the Lord, we will be rewarded with eternal life.
What should we seek? While on earth, Jesus said, “I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” John 5:30. In Mt. 6:33, He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things (food, clothing, etc.) will be added to you.” Paul implored Timothy to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness. 1 Tim. 6:11.
The only reward we receive when seeking our own glory is a temporary surge in our pride. That surge will soon wane and we will have to seek glory once again. We will never be satisfied. Ps. 107:9 tells us that “He (the Lord) satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” The Lord is the only One who will ever satisfy. Heb. 11:6 tells us that “God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”
Let us continue to seek and pursue things outside of ourselves and trust God to keep us safe, reward and satisfy, and turn us into more patient and gentle people. In doing so, our light will shine before men and point them toward the Savior. He’s the only One whose opinion will ever matter.
Seeking His glory,
jamie
considering the word 