[Biblemat] A>To Glory Only In The Cross (Kent Heaton)

[kerux]

To Glory Only In The Cross

(Kent Heaton)

 

Men enjoy the honors bestowed upon them by other men. The praise of man is nectar filled with the deadly poison of pride and arrogance. Through the wisdom of his own mortality, man believes that he is the center of the universe. He exults in his achievements, his accomplishments and self-centered belief that he deserves the tribute of other men. The early church was faced with those who sought for glory in their own dogmas. 

"Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh. But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation" (Galatians 6:12-15).

Paul speaks of those who seek to glory in the outward zeal of religion. Men who impress other men by their piety, humility and religious devotion seek the glory and boast in the flesh. These early disciples did not want to be persecuted and by their outward deeds of religion would seek the glory of men rather than God. They wanted to brag about their converts and appeal to the pride of others hearts to hold them up in great esteem among the church. This is nothing short of men seeking honor and glory among men within the church of Jesus Christ. 

Jesus said that those who make up the kingdom are like children (Matthew 18:3,4). To be a disciple of Christ is to be a servant (John 13:1-20). Humility is not a characteristic of boastfulness and pride but one of subjection to God's will. Paul did not preach a gospel to impress men. "As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ" (Galatians 1:9-10). 

Paul reminded the church at Thessalonica, "For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed--God is witness-- nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority" (1 Thessalonians 2:3-6).

The only thing we should glory in is the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14). My service to God is not about me but about Him. My life is forfeit for Him. My life should be hidden behind the cross - not in front of it. In all things the Lord should receive the honor and the glory. Am I being a Christian to impress others? Do I do acts of kindness to receive honors from men? Did Jesus die on the cross so humanity could brag about what He did? Jesus gloried only in His Father (John 17:4). We can do no less.


Kent Heaton
207 NE Fourth Avenue
Trenton, Florida  32693
(Home) 352-463-6916
(Office) 352-463-3793
(Cell) 352-283-3889
kerux at bellsouth.net
www.trentonchurchofchrist.com
www.northfloridabiblecamp.com
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