Glory Only in the Lord

IN THIS LETTER TO THE church at Corinth, the Apostle Paul spoke about God’s method of calling the weak and humble-minded ones of this earth to a place in his heavenly kingdom. He explained the reason for this, saying, “The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (I Cor. 1:25) The Heavenly Father wanted to show the power of his Truth and its transforming influence upon those who were of a “broken and a contrite heart.”—Ps. 51:17

Paul concluded this portion of his letter by stating, “According as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.” (I Cor. 1:31) The apostle may have had in mind the occasion when God selected and anointed his servant, David. From the scriptural record, we read, “The Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; … for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”—I Sam. 16:7

As members of the fallen and sin-sick human family, there is nothing of our condemned fleshly nature by which we could have any standing before our Heavenly Father. All of our special privileges, and the hope of sharing with our Lord Jesus in joint heirship with him in his future heavenly kingdom, have been made possible only through the abundance of God’s marvelous grace. The apostle proclaimed, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”—Rom. 3:24-26

During this present Gospel Age, the heavenly call has gone forth to those whom God is inviting to become part of the church, the “body” members of Christ. (Col. 1:18, New Living Translation) They have responded by making a full consecration of their lives to God, and have dedicated themselves to him as a sacrificial offering.—Rom. 12:1

Paul emphasizes the spirit of sanctification and holiness that is necessary to daily fulfill our offering to God. “Ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, … That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.”—I Thess. 4:2-4

Let us desire that the will of God be enthroned within our heart so completely that our life is poured out to him, and that our whole being be consecrated fully and forever to the doing of his will. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” (II Cor. 10:5) Thus, we may be fully equipped to glory only in the Lord.