Scripture:
1 Corinthians 15:40-45 There are also bodies in the heavens and bodies on the earth. The glory of the heavenly bodies is different from the glory of the earthly bodies. The sun has one kind of glory, while the moon and stars each have another kind. And even the stars differ from each other in their glory. It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead… Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory… The Scriptures tell us, “The first man, Adam, became a living person.” But the last Adam—that is, Christ—is a life-giving Spirit.
Observation:
What is glory? The Hebrew word for glory, kabod, means splendor, dignity, reputation, and abundance. The Greek word, doxa, introduces the idea of praise or even worship of that splendor. To put it in our modern vernacular, glory is the status of a thing. There is a level of glory in being the captain of the football team in high school and there is another type of glory when you’re Tom Brady.
Application:
The word tells us that there are different types of glory. We can pursue the glory of the flesh: highlighting a talent, or gaining influence for ourselves on social media, or we can pursue the glory that comes from seeking the Lord and doing what He has called us to do. Spiritual glory is why the Holy Spirit was given to us, but we must never try to take that glory (praise, worship, or influence) for ourselves.
He will bestow His glory on those who make a practice of giving it back to Him. It would be a fearful thing to use out time, talents, and resources for ourselves and then face Jesus who will hold us to account for the glory He has given us.
Prayer:
Lord, Jesus. I love You. Thank You for today. I bless Your name. Thank You for the gifts, talents, and opportunities You have given me. Help me to be a good steward of Your blessings in my life and to always give You glory and honor. Help me to stay in a posture of humility and trust in You, no matter how low the valley or how high the mountain top. Amen
Worship: