Glorify the Lord, Not Yourself

"He must become greater; I must become less." — John 3:30

In a world that teaches self-promotion, God calls us to self-denial. Society says, “Make a name for yourself.” But Scripture says, “Exalt the name of the Lord.” Who are you living to glorify—yourself or your Savior?

Many people claim to follow Christ, yet their actions speak otherwise. They seek recognition for their good deeds, validation for their sacrifices, and applause for their service. But Jesus did not come to be served—He came to serve (Mark 10:45). If the King of Kings humbled Himself, how much more should we?

"I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols." — Isaiah 42:8

God created the heavens and the earth. He alone is worthy of praise. Yet, how often do we take credit for the blessings He has given us? Every talent, every opportunity, every victory is because of Him. To glorify ourselves is to steal what belongs to God.

When King Nebuchadnezzar glorified himself, boasting about his kingdom, God humbled him—reducing him to a beast of the field (Daniel 4:30-33). But when he lifted his eyes to heaven and acknowledged God’s greatness, his sanity was restored (Daniel 4:34). Pride leads to destruction, but humility restores.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." — 1 Corinthians 10:31

Worship is not about putting on a show. It is not about how loud you sing or how eloquent your prayers sound. It is about a surrendered heart that desires nothing but the presence of God. When we come to church, do we seek to encounter Him, or do we seek recognition?

The Pharisees loved to be seen by men, praying in public, giving to be noticed, and fasting with long faces (Matthew 6:1-5). But Jesus rebuked them, saying, “They have received their reward in full.” If our goal is human praise, that is all we will get—but if we seek to glorify God, He will reward us with His presence and eternal life.

"Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." — Matthew 23:12

Jesus—the only one who truly had the right to be exalted—humbled Himself to the lowest place. He washed the feet of His disciples. He ate with sinners. He endured the cross, despising its shame, so that we could have eternal life.

Philippians 2:5-11 tells us that Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped but took the nature of a servant. Because He humbled Himself, God exalted Him to the highest place. If we follow Christ, we must follow His example: humility first, then glory in His presence.

Whose name are you exalting—yours or God's? Do you crave human praise, or do you live for the approval of your Father in Heaven?

Let us humble ourselves before the Lord, recognizing that every good thing comes from Him. Let our lives be a reflection of His greatness, not our own. May we decrease, so that He may increase.

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we seek our own glory instead of Yours. Strip away our pride and fill us with humility. May our lives bring honor to You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.