A L M A C I A S

TO WHOM DOES THE HONOR BELONG?

As we go through this life, we are tempted to do many things that are not pleasing to the Lord. Sometimes we may get too involved in trying to make money, and more money, and more money. We become so materialistic that we forget about God and our spiritual well-being. Sometimes our problem may be something altogether different, such as the pleasures of this world. We are surrounded by so many pleasures in this world which are contrary to the will of God. From the music to which we sometimes listen, to the television programs that we see, we are so easily tempted to do that which is wrong. But there are still other things that are not so apparent; and before we know it, we find ourselves guilty of doing things that are far from what the Scriptures teach.

It may not be the case that we are guilty of being too materialistic or seeking after the pleasures of this life. No, it may be that the thing which attracts us is the honor man gives to man. I believe that there is nothing wrong in wanting to be admired somewhat, or perhaps to be told once in a great while that we are good at what we do, whatever that may be; but we always need to be very careful that we not become so consumed in desiring the honor that men give that we forget altogether that the honor really belongs to God.

The problem of seeking honor from man is that it makes us do things in a much different way than we would have done otherwise. This problem of desiring to be honored can also be a temptation for those of us who preach the Gospel of Christ. The apostle Paul, in I Corinthians 2:1-5, said that he had not come to them with excellency of speech or of wisdom. Paul had decided that he would not preach anything to them except Christ and Him crucified. He also told them that he did not use enticing words of man's wisdom in his preaching, so that their faith would not be standing in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. If we concentrate in our lives to always give the honor and the glory to God, then we will not have time to fall into the temptation of seeking our own honor and glory. To whom do you give glory and honor?