Glorify God not Others

By Tanya G. Liles

          Recently on Facebook, the Focus on the Family Page posted up an article about the new “Wonder Woman” movie. Although I have never seen the movie, nor will I, judging from the comments there is nudity, sexual content, and much violence. However, many say that this movie is a MUST to witness or evangelize with. No, not really.

          Today, many Christians stay up to date on the news around our world. By radio, TV, and the Internet, many can catch up on the latest from around the globe. But what about those who get so caught up in TV Shows, Reality TV series, Movies, Video Games, Actors, Actresses, etc…

           Do we really think this gives God the Glory?

           In reality, more people look up Hollywood Celebrities than actually picking up a Bible and reading and studying it for their selves. They would much rather listen and adhere to ungodly men and women with a “Hollywood Evangelist/Pastor Status or Hollywood Elites” than read the truth of God’s Word. In this day and age, if so and so said it, we must take their word for it.

           Really? What about God’s Word? Shouldn't His Word matter more?

           From the moment we wake up, to the moment we lay our heads down, our thoughts and our focus should be on the Lord Jesus. It shouldn't be about who said what, and what said who. In God’s Word it says:

• Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. -- Philippians 4:8-9 NKJV

          When we lose our focus off God, and listen to others we become more involved with the lusts of the flesh. Confusion begins to set in and then we find ourselves becoming deceived. The more we listen to others preaching a different gospel than what we first received, the more we concentrate on the flesh and not God's will for our lives. In truth, we find we are becoming more and more like the Father of this world, and not our Heavenly Father above.

• I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. -- Galatians 1:6-9 NKJV

          To get back on track with God, we need to ask for His forgiveness. God is always there with His arms open wide, to take you back in and show you His truth. Allow God's Spirit (the Holy Spirit) to teach you His ways, to keep you in constant communication with Him; asking Him to alert you when you are about to stray.

• Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. -- James 4:7-10 NKJV