Glory.

I know people, quite a few people actually, who's entire lives must be known to as many people as they can possibly tell for them to feel worthy. They feel important and loved when and only when others tell them that they are important and loved. In order to get that feedback they first need to share with others all that they are doing, all that they have accomplished and exactly how they feel about everything and anything that is going on in their lives.

People like this exhaust me.

Forgive my honesty, but I have a difficult time listening to people who insist on telling me how wonderful they are all the time! I listen to them but rarely ever do I respond to their unspoken pleading for affirmation. I would be lying to them.

I've thought about this a lot recently, trying to figure out why it bothers me so much. I came to understand that when people who do not know Christ act this way, they are usually trying to feel the love that only Jesus can provide in meaningless relationships, awards, grades, promotions, etc. In that case, I know I need to do my part and love them the best that I can and hope to show them even a fraction of the amount of love that He can give.

But when believers act this way, it hits a different nerve.

The habit of self-glorification takes away from the One who rightfully deserves the glory. When people brag about themselves and all that they have done in the church, ministry, mission field or any other place in the Kingdom, where can God show Himself? Who are you really working for? You should be serving Jesus not your ego.

I know someone who did something incredible that benefited hundreds of people, gave hope to suffering children and quite possibly changed lives. When I talked to them about it, they confidently told me "This isn't my project. It's God's." What an awesome understanding of God's glory! More people need to realize how important it is to give the honor to it's rightful owner. I LOVE listening to people talk about what God has done in their lives! I could listen to stories of God's grace, mercy and miracles all day and never get tired of it because they are telling me the incredible works of my Father, best friend and Savior.

I am constantly reminding myself that nothing is accomplished apart from God. Even the smallest of things, such as not being charged anything to have my computer fixed by the Geek Squad at BestBuy, happen because of Him. Of course there are bigger things that He has accomplished in my life but I enjoy finding Him in the small things. It shows me how much He cares which makes me love Him that much more. He knew that I didn't have $70-$200 to spend but also that I needed my computer to function so He brings me to probably the one guy in the whole Geek Squad that would ignore the charges and do everything for free. Never doubt that God is in the small stuff! But especially for the big things, give our God the glory that He alone deserves!

"When you value God for who He is, it causes a response in Him; It releases Him to be all that He is to you."