For God’s glory, his kingdom, and his people

After years on the run, David was finally established as king over all Israel. 

One sign of this was the palace that was built for him.  And as he sat in his newly built palace, the Bible says that David realized,

The LORD had established him as king over Israel and had exalted his kingdom for the sake of his people Israel.  (1 Samuel 5:12)

David knew that God hadn’t established him as king for his own sake, but for God’s own purposes.  That the kingdom wasn’t a matter of David’s glory, but God’s glory. 

More, he knew that God hadn’t established him as king for the people to serve him, but that he might serve God’s people and give them rest.

I wonder how often we realize the same is true with us.  God has called you to be his child.  He has established your place in his kingdom.  And he has done so not for your glory, but for his.

He has done so not that you might establish your own kingdom, but that you would help establish his here on earth.

He hasn’t put you in the position he has in order for people to serve you, but that you might serve others.

And as long as we fail to realize this, we’re going to miss out on all that God has for us.  So many Christians are self-centered, thinking only about themselves, their position, and their glory.

I admit that there are many times that I’m that way too.  But our lives are not to be centered around ourselves and our purposes, but around God and his purposes.

Who are you serving?  Whose glory are you seeking?  Who are you living for?

As one song puts it,

For your glory,
For your kingdom,
For your name O Lord, here I am.