rummaging through a jewelry store with his wife when he came across this necklace (left). The “Your Photo Here” seemed a little strange to him… and I have to agree… how odd… I mean, who would purchase a piece of jewelry with the face of Jesus and then cover it up with their own picture?I am the Lord; that is my name;
my glory I give to no other… Isaiah 42:8
Colossians 1:16-17 says “by (Christ) all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Paul reminds us that …all things… …in all times… …in all places… have their origin and purpose rooted in God Himself. The natural outgrowth of that truth should manifest itself in humble worship. But we must not fool ourselves to think we are beyond “glory grasping.” Even committed believers have to guard against the fleshly desire within us to usurp the rightful place of God, thus elevating ourselves, and diminishing Him.
This attitude is essentially what got humanity in trouble way back in the Garden of Eden. On that infamous day at the beginning of time, the disguised enemy slipped up beside Eve and tempted her with the delicious opportunity to be “like God, knowing good and evil.” (Gen. 3:5) And in the next verse, we find that she got exactly what she desired. Eve did know evil… specifically, the evil of self-idolatry and then later rightly received the consequences of disobedience and of desiring to exalt herself to a place above to her Creator.
This is why in the book of Exodus, God put a warning against worshiping other gods at number two on His Top Ten List. He wanted (and still wants) us to be careful about where we place our affections because He is the only One truly worthy of our adoration.
While it’s good and right for believers in Jesus to want to serve the Lord and do His will, we need to be ever mindful not to cross the line of thinking about polishing our own frame instead of making Him shine.
Amen! I love this post! What godly, loving thoughts about putting Jesus first! I’ve had a picture of Jesus since I was a girl that is now in my daughter’s room. Now I want to write about it! Jesus should be displayed in every home snd never ever covered up! I did have the hopeful thought that the company may have wanted to display Jesus as the photo in their jewelry since he’s a much better subject than a fake family! I love where God took you on this post. It’s such an important topic in our self centered society. I can’t wait to share this on The Silver Lining Ministry page this week! Beautiful writing! ✝️
Loved this, Karen. But then again, I enjoy all your posts which makes it a lot more enjoyable to share with others.
“OTHER gods”. Sometimes misunderstood by Christians. There are plenty of “gods” competing for our attention–sports, work, sex, television–God is jealous. He demands our loyalty. He’s the only one worthy of our attention and worship. We need to realize that we become like what we worship! And that fits in nicely with your analogy. THANKS, Karen.
so good to visit you here this morning, to meet you, to hear your wisdom!
Such a great analogy and lesson for us to remember.
This reminder is needed often. As Lovers of God and of others, we Joy! in watching and participating in God’s Call to Discipleship of others. However! This caution awakens us to any subtle ways of our sin natures to beware, lest we think any of the results is because of our endeavors. God’s, and only God’s!, Holy Redeeming, Restoring, Reviving, Rescuing, Reconciling, Realities are The Reasons Any Changes are Resulting. Thank you again for This, His Glory ‘Pic’.
Glory grasping is a daily sin/temptation. I’ve asked God to remind me whenever I am – and the humbling is always worth it. I took a different idea from that necklace, though – I see our photo on top of Christ’s because He is BEHIND all my efforts and His Spirit empowers any work worth doing.
Hi Karen,
I really enjoyed reading this post & being reminded to put God first & avoid falling into making anything else more important than Him.
Hi Karen,
Great post! Such a poignant reminder that we have Adam & Eve’s DNA& we too battle the temptation of the self!
We are neighbors at Let’s have Coffee this week!
You’re most welcome to join me in a cuppa,
Blessings,
Jennifer