Question: Why were we created? Answer: To glorify God. Pretty simple ain't it? God made us for His own glory. I forget that a lot. We all do. So here's a reminder for you guys, cause I assume that you forget it too sometimes. :-) Unfortunately, knowing that we were made to glorify God doesn't necessarily mean that we will live a God-glorifying life. Many times, we desire to glorify ourselves. And accordingly, when others don't treat us the way we want them to we get bummed out. We think--"How dare they treat me like that. Don't they know who I am?" When we are criticized we get defensive--"How dare you say that I was in the wrong." We get our feelings hurt because our IMAGE is hurt. We're not being glorified like we think we should and so we get angry or defensive.
Image is important. God created man in His image, which is about the biggest gift that can be given. Many times you see in Scripture God angry because His people are not presenting a good image of Him to the other nations. Image is very important to God, because He desires to be glorified.
Notice whose image I am referring to. It's not your image that I'm talking about--it's God's image. It's God's glory that's important--not our own. Sure, it's important that you have a good image--but only to the extent that God's glory is a greater focus than others' opinion of us. Too many times we get upset when people criticize us or make fun of us or don't give us the respect that we think we deserve. Basically, our happiness is tied to our glorification. "I'm happy when others like me or respect me." "I'm not happy when people disrespect me or criticize me." Our happiness is directly tied to our image--our glory.
What brought these thoughts on? I was with my cousins a while back, and they started to tease me and represent me wrong. I left with a feeling that they didn't think much of me, and didn't really give me the respect I deserved. I was upset. But then I asked myself--"Is God glorified, even though I'm not. Is God happy with me, even though my cousins aren't?" Yes, He is. SO WHY AM I UPSET? Why am I upset that people aren't glorifying me when the God of the Universe is glorified? Why am I upset that people aren't happy with me when the God of the Bible is happy with me?
The next time you start to get frustrated or upset because other people aren't treating you or respecting you like you think they should, instead of getting upset, ask if God is glorified through you. If He is, then there is nothing to be upset about. If He isn't, then ask His forgiveness and don't worry about how other people view you. If God is happy with you, then it doesn't really matter if people are happy with you. This can be very hard to apply. Let's face it, the Christian life can just be hard sometimes, but if you get discouraged remember this: "I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil 1:6). God sees your desire to live for His glory, and He will be with you every step of the way--guiding you, strengthening you, and keeping you safe. God bless.
Image is important. God created man in His image, which is about the biggest gift that can be given. Many times you see in Scripture God angry because His people are not presenting a good image of Him to the other nations. Image is very important to God, because He desires to be glorified.
Notice whose image I am referring to. It's not your image that I'm talking about--it's God's image. It's God's glory that's important--not our own. Sure, it's important that you have a good image--but only to the extent that God's glory is a greater focus than others' opinion of us. Too many times we get upset when people criticize us or make fun of us or don't give us the respect that we think we deserve. Basically, our happiness is tied to our glorification. "I'm happy when others like me or respect me." "I'm not happy when people disrespect me or criticize me." Our happiness is directly tied to our image--our glory.
What brought these thoughts on? I was with my cousins a while back, and they started to tease me and represent me wrong. I left with a feeling that they didn't think much of me, and didn't really give me the respect I deserved. I was upset. But then I asked myself--"Is God glorified, even though I'm not. Is God happy with me, even though my cousins aren't?" Yes, He is. SO WHY AM I UPSET? Why am I upset that people aren't glorifying me when the God of the Universe is glorified? Why am I upset that people aren't happy with me when the God of the Bible is happy with me?
The next time you start to get frustrated or upset because other people aren't treating you or respecting you like you think they should, instead of getting upset, ask if God is glorified through you. If He is, then there is nothing to be upset about. If He isn't, then ask His forgiveness and don't worry about how other people view you. If God is happy with you, then it doesn't really matter if people are happy with you. This can be very hard to apply. Let's face it, the Christian life can just be hard sometimes, but if you get discouraged remember this: "I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Phil 1:6). God sees your desire to live for His glory, and He will be with you every step of the way--guiding you, strengthening you, and keeping you safe. God bless.
RSS Feed