One
Single Goal
Isaiah 42:8-9
"I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols. See the former things have taken place, and new things I declare;
before they spring into being I announce them to you."Our Lord is a jealous God who wants all of us and all of our affection. He has given us so much and requires that we give Him total allegiance. He will not stand by and allow us to give ourselves to any person or thing that would take His place in our lives.
He has given us His name. (verse 8) He has revealed himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ. By giving us His name He desires us to call upon Him. By giving us His name He is revealing to us His nature and placing His Holy Spirit within us. He is our guide and our comfort. His is our life. (11 Corinthians 4:10 -12, Colossians 3:4) His death on the cross paid for our sin and His resurrection offers new life this side of heaven and life eternal. WOW what a name! That name is above every name, even our own.
He has given us His glory. (verse 8) He will not share His glory with any person, church, or denomination. We must be very careful in the things we do, that we do not attempt to receive any glory for the things we do. He is the only one due the glory or recognition. We serve an awesome God! His glory is unlike anything we can fathom. "Whether you eat or drink, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 I am fully aware that we have to have names on our churches and ministries but we must be careful to point everyone to Jesus as our source, our supply, and our goal. To steal or even share His glory is a dangerous thing.
He desires all praise. (verse 9) As we go about sharing the gospel and involved in ministry, make sure that the praise goes to Him alone. There are leaders today who are very effective and gifted but all the praise is due Jesus only. We receive praise for our successful ministries too often and rob the Lord of His work. There is a line here and I am unsure of where it is, but we cross it too often. Our planting, watering or especially harvesting is not our success but HIS! Point people to Jesus and get out of the spotlight. He alone should receive all the glory, all the honor, that is due His matchless name.
Lord, your name, your glory, your praise is our theme and our goal, demanding our lives, ministries, money, our children. Please do not allow us to get caught up in carrying any other flag. Our allegiance is to you and you alone. Too many times I have received a compliment or praise that is solely yours and I cry out to you oh Lord to forgive me and give me the sensitivity to your Holy Spirit to know how to show others your work, your glory and hold high the Name of Jesus. (Psalm 27:4)
