The battle of life

Glory as defined by the Oxford dictionary is “high renown or honor won by notable achievements” or “magnificence or great beauty.”

The battle of life is the battle for glory.

Society glorifies people. The measure of a man is measured by how one is glorified by culture.

The world is set up this way. Position or title receives glory. Athleticism receives glory. Wealth receives glory. Talent, wisdom, material possessions, all receive glory from the world.

And, the battle for glory becomes a competition, a race. We all crave this glory for ourselves, or we desire to claim this glory for our kids. We believe that we or our child should receive glory for our work, our talent, our wealth. We should not be over-looked. We need the high honor from society, so, we post and magnify our lives, striving for this glory. Our child needs honor and esteem, so we push for it.

And, glory blinds. We don’t recognize it. Glory from culture creates a false sense of security, lack of humility, and a feeling of being invincible. For the spiritual, glory can create a superficial religion, checking the boxes but depending on oneself. Consider how many of fame and fortune, those in athletics, politics, pastors, or any other area of life, have been blinded by glory, only to fall. And, the fall cripples as a sense of oneself has been lost.

To win the battle, and I quote Eminem, one must lose yourself.

The opposite of individual glory is humility. And, only one thing humbles. Submission to God.

God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Submit yourselves, then, to God. James 4:6,7

Paul was receiving glory in his prime. He was the leader. He had power, great wisdom. People cowered in fear in his presence. He received “high renown” and “honor.” Paul was glorified in society.

Then, in a moment, he was humbled. Paul came face-to-face with a holy God. Jesus came before him in Acts 9, calling him out for his life of driving persecution against others. Paul’s only reaction, immediate submission.

The glory was no more his. In Galatians 1, Paul explains that after this conversion, he went away to Arabia, the desert, for three years. He approached no man, but spent time with God. After three years, he consults with Peter for 15 days. Then, approximately 14 years later, he is called by a friend, Barnabas, to help lead the church in Antioch. There was no glory for Paul during these 14 years. His stature, position, title, respect from others, was gone. He was stripped of his personal world glory, no longer recognized for his power and achievements.

Paul had a new goal in life. His life was now about God’s glory. Paul writes the below.

They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they praised God because of me. Galatians 1:23, 24

Now, every action, every speech was pointed to glorifying God. At times, we read about the world trying to glorify Paul (see Acts 14 at Lystra), but every time he vehemently deflects the fame, pointing to God.

We are not Paul. Amazing conversion, amazing life submitted to God. However, as difficult as it may seem, we are called to the same thing. Remove world glory and submit to God. Let God’s name be glorified through any achievement, any work, any talent, any victory.

The Bible repeats this call over and over.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1

for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:20

The great missionary Jim Elliot said, “Lord, make my way prosperous, not that I achieve high station, but that my life may be an exhibit to the value of knowing God.”

In a court of law, we would all stand guilty taking glory, craving the glory, the worship of our fellow man.

But, this was the reason for the cross. We are guilty, so we are to give glory to the only one who can remove the guilt.

Is something causing you strife or unrest in your life? Could it be that you are demanding glory from the world? This demand, this call for glory, will never bring peace.

Don’t let the desire for glory rob your joy.

Today, before we post, act, speak, or take glory for ourselves, let us pause and remember Him who should glorified.

Impact others. Live generously.

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