Rev. A. J. Ogden

We stand today in the presence of a holy, all-knowing God. We are transparent to Him. He can read our hearts and completely know our thoughts. Whatever our motives are, He sees them for what they are. So many people do so many good things for the wrong motives, which the Lord cannot bless. Some men will do things just to draw attention to himself, to get glory for self but not for God.

Paul speaks in First Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Let us always ask ourselves; Am I doing this for my own glory, or am I doing it for the glory of God only?

The Christian life is not all about me and what I want. It is not about pleasing you, the deacon, the people, or the pastor. It is about pleasing the Master, God. I have known men who would give much to the church if the TV camera, reporter, or publicity man, could be there to put it in all the papers. If we do these things only for the praise of men, then the praise of men is all we will ever have. You’ll get none from God.

Men may fool the public, most people, the church, the pastor, and perhaps others, but he can never fool God. Do you do what you do for the praise of men, or for the glory of our great God?