April 3, 2025: Seeking Glory from God

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In John 5:44, Jesus asks a piercing question:

“How can you believe when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”

This verse challenges us to examine where we seek approval. Are we more concerned about what people think of us than what God desires? Do we measure our worth by human praise rather than divine truth?

A Story of Seeking True Glory

Emily was a gifted musician. From a young age, she received applause for her performances. The more people praised her, the more she craved their approval. She worked tirelessly, not just for excellence, but for recognition. Every award, every standing ovation made her feel valued.

One day, Emily met an elderly pianist at a music workshop. The woman played with unmatched passion, yet seemed completely indifferent to applause. Intrigued, Emily asked, “How do you play with such freedom?”

The woman smiled and said, “I don’t play for people; I play for God. Their applause fades, but His approval lasts forever.”

That conversation changed Emily’s heart. She realized she had been seeking glory from people, not from God. She began to play for His glory, using her gift to bring hope and worship instead of just seeking fame. For the first time, she felt a peace that no applause had ever given her.

Seeking the Glory That Comes from God

Jesus warns us that when we seek human glory, our faith is compromised. If our hearts are fixed on human approval, we may miss what God truly desires for us. But when we shift our focus to seeking His glory, we find lasting fulfillment.

True glory comes from:

·        Living with integrity – Choosing God’s will even when no one is watching.

·        Serving with love – Doing good not for recognition, but because it honors God.

·        Finding identity in Christ – Knowing that our worth comes from being God’s children, not from human praise.

Reflection Questions

1.     In what areas of your life do you seek human approval more than God’s?

2.     How can you shift your focus to seeking God’s glory instead of worldly recognition?

3.     What steps can you take today to live for God’s approval rather than people's applause?

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