"The Opinion of One"

"The Opinion of One

    Left to ourselves, human beings innately worry about how other people view us.  We seek to further or protect our reputation with our fellows, as opposed to establishing the honor of Another as our guiding light and influence.

   "They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God" (John 12:43).

   "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name" (Psalm 29:2).

    Great peace awaits those who recognize that all things, including and especially human beings, exist to glorify God.  Possessing no life in and of ourselves, our Lord provides the source and supply for all things in our lives.   We live as dependent stewards, receiving, assimilating, and applying His gifts for the purpose of revealing His abundant generosity.   "God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved), and hath raised us up together and made us to sit together in Heavenly places in Christ, that in the ages to come, He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-7).  When we recognize this great purpose and calling of our existence, we enter into the light of reality about God and ourselves.  What do others think about Him, based upon my actions, words, demeanor, and attitudes?  Am I serving as a faithful ambassador of my King?  Is His reputation paramount in my heart?  These questions, answered rightly, set our hearts at peace because we were made and redeemed for the same determination expressed by the Psalmist, "Not unto us, o Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory!" (Psalm 115:1).

   Much challenge awaits all who recognize and devote themselves to such a calling.  Satan, the one who ever seeks to usurp the glory of God, tempts all who seek to exalt the same glory.  We must expect such challenge, availing ourselves of the opportunities presented by temptation to affirm yet again, "Not unto us…. but unto Thy name give glory."  We do well to maintain a consistent discourse with our Lord concerning this most vital of spiritual matters - "Search me, o God, and know my heart…" .  Moreover, we are completely dependent on the One who "made Himself of no reputation" in order to honor His Father (Philippians 2:7).  "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" affirmed the Apostle Paul of the sole power source whereby God enables us to overcome the temptation to concern ourselves with our own reputation rather than His" (Philippians 4:13).

    At the end of the day, it does not matter how people view us.  However, it matters much how God views us.  We must establish our reputation with Him as the dominant sensibility of our hearts.  Upon this basis, He will attend to the matter of people's opinions.  Some will respect us, others will reject us, and still others will neglect us.  Whatever the case, our own perspective will focus on the opinion of One.  Am I pleasing and honoring the Lord Jesus?  This is the question of reputation that matters most, and ultimately, matters only.

"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

(I Corinthians 10:31)

Weekly Memory Verse

   Now unto God and our Father be glory forever and ever.  Amen.

(Philippians 4:20)