God's Glory
How much thought do I give each day to God’s name and reputation? This question shouted for my attention as I flipped through a notebook where I jot down my reflections on Scripture. As my kids say, the question is a “gut-check.” That’s probably why I didn’t write down an answer. An honest answer would not be very flattering.
Recently, I asked my youngest son about what he learned in Sunday school. He recounted to me the story of Dagon. In 1 Samuel 5, the Philistines, who were the archenemy of Israel at that time, captured the ark of the covenant. (In case you are wondering, Indiana Jones didn’t get it right. The ark of the covenant was not some innately powerful talisman). In addition to storing the tablets upon which the 10 Commandments were written, the ark gave visible representation to the presence of God among his people. The Philistines viewed the ark as if it were actually Israel’s God. They took it to their temple and placed it next to their god, named Dagon. The next morning a visit to the temple of Dagon revealed the idol of Dagon facedown before the ark. Naturally, the Philistines, set their god back on his feet (ironic isn’t it?) and went about their day. The following morning found Dagon again prostrate before the ark and this time missing his head and hands! Why? God was making it clear that He will not share His glory. Any idol or object of worship we place above God ultimately will bow down before him. This includes the idol of self.
The world today encourages us to think extensively about and worry over our name and reputation. Through the power of technology literally anyone in the world could connect with you online. The social media phenomenon opens heretofore unknown access to fame. From our favorite celebrities and sports stars to political leaders, technology has democratized the world. One of those people could actually interact with you! You could get discovered. You could become an “influencer.” This possibility tempts us to take ourselves and our name more seriously than we ought. Christians and even pastors today are no less immune to this temptation than anyone. Perhaps Christians might be more susceptible because we might consider God to get some glory if we get discovered.
I’m competitive and driven. I’m impatient. I get frustrated if I can’t find a way to win and accomplish greater and greater things. Most of the time this is because I care too much about my name and my glory. I’ve been challenged this week to make the reputation and name of God my greatest concern. “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” Galatians 6:14.