I AM vs. I
As we wrapped up our “Kingdom vs. Culture” series, Pastor Len explored this crucial question: Are we living for our own glory, or for the glory of God? Our culture is saturated with messages that encourage us to look inward, to pursue self-fulfillment, and to make much of ourselves. We see it everywhere—from social media to sports, from advertising to education. The world tells us that the highest goal is to enjoy ourselves and to find ourselves by looking within. But God’s Word offers a radically different vision.
In Ephesians 1:3-14, Paul reminds us of the incredible spiritual blessings we have in Christ: we are chosen, loved, adopted, redeemed, forgiven, enlightened, given an inheritance, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. But all of these blessings have a purpose beyond ourselves—they are given “to the praise of His glory.” Our salvation, our gifts, our very lives are not ultimately about making much of ourselves but about making much of God.
It’s easy, even in the church, to let the focus shift subtly from God’s glory to our own. We can talk so much about God’s love for us and His blessings for us that we forget that the point is to reflect that love and glory back to Him. If the blessings stop with us, we miss the fullness of what God intends. True joy, peace, and freedom are found not in self-glorification, but in living for the glory of the One who made us.
Living for God’s glory is a daily, intentional choice. It means honoring Him with every part of our lives—our thoughts, words, actions, and relationships. It means being alert to the messages of our culture, inviting God to search our hearts, confessing and repenting when we fall short, and looking for opportunities to make much of Him in all we do. This is what we were created for, and this is where we find life that is truly life.
Reflection Questions
- Pastor Len challenged us to ask: “Am I living for my glory or for God’s glory?” Take a moment to reflect—are there areas of your life where you tend to seek your own recognition or praise? What are they?
- The world encourages us to “look within” and “make much of ourselves.” Where do you see this message most in your daily life (social media, work, school, etc.)? How does it affect you?
- Ephesians 1 lists blessings like being chosen, loved, adopted, and redeemed. How can you intentionally reflect these blessings back to God in praise and in the way you live this week?
- Len encouraged us to regularly invite God to search our hearts (Psalm 139:23-24 was referenced). What would it look like for you to make this a regular practice? Is there something you sense God might want to reveal or change in you?
- Living for God’s glory is a daily, intentional choice. What is one specific step you can take this week to shift your focus from self to God in your thoughts, words, or actions?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from May 25
- “LION”
- “Awesome God”
- “I Speak Jesus”
- “Where Would I Be?”