Seeking Glory

 "Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him."

— John 7:18

Dear Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

When I speak on my own—from my own knowledge, my own wisdom, my own intellect—Your word says I'm doing so to gain personal glory. Personal glory has to do with how I appear to other people, whether they are pleased with me, my standing with others. But You say that he who seeks the glory of the One who sent him—that is, God—is a man of truth. Seeking the glory of God before I speak marks me as a man of truth. Seeking the glory of God before I speak means ensuring every word that leaves my mouth glorifies my Lord.

Lord Jesus, how many times have I uttered false or empty words just to elicit praise from others? How many times have I said prideful words in order to appear stronger or bigger than I really am? How many times have I spoken words that robbed You of glory and hoped that I would have some of that glory? Forgive me for every empty word I've spoken. Matthew 12:36 declares that, "everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken."

Lord Jesus, let my words be few. Let my words be well-chosen. And above all, let my words give You glory.

In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.

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