For the Glory of God

We read in Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. 

I believe that the Scriptures teach excellence in all things.   And, whatever we're called to, as God empowers us, it's important that we use the skill we've developed and the strength He gives to bring glory to Him, and not ourselves.

The past couple of days, we're hearing a lot about being #1 - it was certainly important to the Alabama Crimson Tide last night in their domination of LSU.   And, it's important to the Presidential candidates who are competing today in the New Hampshire Primary.   Even at Vaughn Park today, in a friendly sense, Faith Radio wants to be #1, the "Top Dog", in the Radio for Red Cross blood drive, realizing that the more of our listeners show up and give blood today, the greater the potential for saving lives.


So, while I think it's OK to want to do your best, and for the believer, I believe it brings glory to God.   But, Jesus added another kingdom dynamic in his teaching of the disciples...you see, James and John wanted to be #1, or at least #2 behind Peter, in the rankings of Christ's inner circle.    We see that there were periodic disputes about this issue of rank.   In fact, one of them occurred at Christ's Last Supper with them, according to Luke 22:


24 Now there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority over them are called 'benefactors.' 26 But not so among you; on the contrary, he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who governs as he who serves.

So, the Bible teaches to do your best, and let God take care of the position.   Ambition is great, but only when tempered with humility.  A dominant characteristic of leadership, as Jesus demonstrated, is humility.   Jesus said the greatest person is the one who serves.  He depended on the Father, and put the needs of others before Himself.

For Alabama last night, AJ McCarron exhibited great leadership and will to win, but his success was predicated on a great offensive line, dependable receivers, and a credible coaching staff.   Jeremy Shelley kicked 5 field goals, but his teammates had to get him in the position to make them.    The Christian players were playing for a higher purpose, but I'm sure that mostly everyone realized in order to win a national championship, they had to play well, function as a team and submit to their coaches.    Want to be #1?   Do it for the glory of God, depend on Him, and serve others - it's a winning combination.