The Special of the Day… From the Orange Moon Cafe…
(Thanks to Fred C. for inspiration on this one)
“Not Unto Us”
No greater sigh of relief can be exhaled than the realization that we do not live to further our own reputation, but rather that of Another.
“Not unto us, o Lord, not us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy and Thy truth’s sake” (Psalm 115:1).
Certainly, it matters what people think of us in terms of how well we represent the Lord Jesus Christ. Moreover, we want to live in an honorable manner that generally leads to a reputable name and stature with others. “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold” (Proverbs 22:1). It nevertheless remains true that we live for the honor of God and how others think of Him, as revealed in our character, demeanor, attitudes, words and deeds. “Not unto us…”
The Psalmist declares that we do so “for Thy mercy and Thy truth’s sake.” The former - “for Thy mercy” - speaks to God’s loving inclination to forgive sin in order to establish and maintain relationship with Himself through the Lord Jesus. How He is glorified thereby as we bear witness that “He delighteth in mercy,” even as the prodigal son’s father ran to greet his returning and repentant son with reception and restoration (Micah 7:18; Luke 15:20). The latter - “for Thy truth’s sake” - speaks to God’s working in the forgiven to lead and enable us to live in the reality of seeking His glory and honor. Any notion otherwise whereby we live to further our own name or fame is mere illusion and diversion from the truth of who God is, and who we are in relationship to Him. Thus, we seek to live in a matter that reveals His glory to those who need His mercy, and to those who have received it and seek to live in the reality of His truth.
Let us breathe the sweet sigh of relief. We live for the glory, honor, and reputation of Another. This may lead to “a good name” in this present world, although that is never the goal of the Christian. We rather seek the glory of one Name only, and let how we are viewed proceed according to God’s determinations and purposes. Indeed, some of the finest and most faithful believers who ever lived lived evoked worldly shame because they were led to tread a path their sphere of influence could never comprehend. "Not unto us" indeed, but rather…
“Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.”
(Ephesians 3:21)
Weekly Memory Verse
To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(Romans 8:6)
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