Whose Song Are You Singing?

If any man will come after me let him deny himself... Matthew 16:24

I knew a young man that was studying to be a minister. He had all the tools I thought to be a good one. He obtained his degree, received a position at a church and began his life long dream. But six months into the calling he resigned. I talked to him later about it and he revealed his heart was messed up. He said that every time he was in front of his congregation he sought the glory for himself.

We must be careful when we serve not to change the song from " How great thou art to" How great I am." The purpose of our gifts is to present the gospel and expose others to the teachings of Christ. The luminous spotlight must never cast a shadow on us. It is not anything with in us that they need but the Savior.

If you hunger for attention then don't miss use your gift to attain it. Hunger for the only one that can feed you for eternity. Anytime a light is shown on you it must be reflected upward. Internally I say " Glory be He lives in me and thank you for the compliment." That way pride will not enter in.

The real problem with pride is it makes us fat. It is hard to be a pauper and even think that we of all people need a Savior when we are filled with ourselves. If our heart is not held upward it is hard to hold our hands outward. When we in our foolish conceit believe we have impacted the kingdom by our accomplishments it is time to stop such foolish thinking. For nothing happens unless God went before us and made it happen.

So ask God to disintegrate any wrong thinking. Deny any self purpose or measure of yourself. The mark of sainthood is serving God when nobody is watching. Never forget how precious is the one we serve. Now ask yourself do you reflect His glory?

When nobodies looking
And the light doesn't shine
I will look to Jesus
And not of thine.

When my heart seeks glory
And the praise of man
I will bow down
And still raise my hand.

For I want to serve
And just reflect Christ.
Moment by moment
And all of my life.