For Glory

 'Praise be to his glorious name forever; 

may the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen.'

~Psalm 72:19~

Why do you talk about God? Not when, who with, or even how often (Matthew 6:5). WHY?

Speaking out about beliefs is a big deal, and we can easily become loud about it. Our focus shifts to 'See? This is what I believe, see!' We do a good job of standing up for ourselves and fellow believers applaud us for that. Support that in itself is not bad... as long as it doesn't overtake our greater purpose.

'The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains' ~Philippians 1:7~

'Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.' ~Philippians 2:3~ 

I've asked myself many times WHAT that looks like. How do I approach my testimony or carry out my discipleship in earnest? Then a picture came to mind two nights ago whilst researching neurological disorders. Musicians. 

By minute, hour, and year, musicians work their fingers to the bone to set off the perfect notes from their instrument. And people listen; the bass, the strings, the woodwinds... even to a guitar strummed on a street corner. Sure, some may watch their fingers zing like lightening or the uniform flip of a composition page. Bottom line though, they hear the result. It's what they walk away with; and remember.

The instruments are the means to this explosive art, but outside the musical experts, people don't gather to gawk at the taught strings or polished wood. The audience seeks to become completely engrossed in the symphony- a 20 piece, 50 piece, or 100 piece orchestra, all equal ONE piece of masterful and moving music. 

Such is the same in our discipleship. We don't want people's eyes on us, but attuned to the music. Hear the message of God' s love because that's the whole point of talking about Him. I don't want people telling me what a great writer I am. I want your attention drawn toward God...

                John 3:16                    John 14:6                 Hebrews 1:3               Hebrews 3:6

Once you notice Him, you won't even remember me. That's what I want.

'For God, who said "Let light shine out of darkness" made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ,'

~2 Corinthians 4:6~