FCA ResourcesDevotional
Who Gets the Glory?
Ready
“Jesus answered them, “My teaching isn’t mine but is from the one who sent me. If anyone wants to do his will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own. The one who speaks on his own seeks his own glory; but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him.” – John 7:16-18
Set
Have you ever watched a postgame interview, and the player being interviewed gives themselves all the credit for the win? It’s uncomfortable to watch because the rest of their team must feel hurt that one player is trying to take all the glory. In team sports, it’s never just one person’s victory. If you’re humble enough, you know it takes each player, coach, manager, fan, janitor and family to help achieve success on the field.
As Christians, we have a deeper understanding of who receives the glory in everything we do. We understand from Scripture that everything we have, from our athletic talent to the breath in our lungs, is from God. So, if everything we have comes from God, we should do everything for God, not ourselves. It’s easy to forget all the good gifts He gives us and think we created them ourselves. Yet even Jesus, perfect in every way, did not take credit for what He did but gave all the glory to God the Father.
When we seek the glory of God above glory for ourselves, the Holy Spirit shows up in mighty ways. When we step aside and let the Spirit control what we say and do, we see God’s hand moving everything where it needs to be. We are prompted to move and do things we never would have thought to do.
Desiring to glorify Christ with everything we do always turns out better than anything we could have manufactured.
Go
- Do you have trouble letting go of control and trusting the Holy Spirit in life and when you train?
- When you achieve specific goals, who do you usually thank first?
- How has the Holy Spirit intervened and improved a situation for you?
Overtime
“God, You are in control of all things. Forgive us when we think we can do this on our own, and forgive us when we give ourselves the glory over You. Remind us that each thing we are given is a gift from You. Show us how powerful You are and how mighty Your Spirit moves. Amen.”
Group