One of the most iconic brand names is Coca-Cola. Their trademarks are known around the world. The distinctive shape of their bottles, the colors, and the script-like name are easily identifiable. All of that branding is to sell what is essentially flavored sugar water. While brands are essentially marketing tools, they are essentially about reputation. We know what we get when buying a Coke in that iconic bottle.
We all have a reputation. Some are good, some bad, some undeserved, and some deserved. Even God has a reputation. But the important question for us as Christ-followers is: Whose reputation are we primarily concerned about? Psalm 115 begins, “Not to us, Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory, Because of Your mercy, because of Your truth.” (Psalm 115:1, NASB 2020)
Whose brand are we building? Our own? Our group? Another person? An ideal? God’s? We want to think we are building God’s reputation and giving glory to His name. But many, in God’s name, glorify themselves, their ministry, their church, or their denomination. Now, this doesn’t mean we should be like a generically labeled can of green beans. We all have names, and God calls us by name. This is a matter of personal, leadership, and corporate attitude.
Let’s make this personal and practical. Why do we ask for God to do something miraculous? Granted, we want something fixed or something to change. The troubles of life call us to prayer. God invites us to bring those troubles to Him. But we need to check our attitude. It’s easy to get a little puffed up when God answers our prayers. We are quick to see ministry growth as personal confirmation. We may say Jesus is Lord while still harboring pride.
I’ve seen many ministries, churches, leaders, and men and women of God fall to the sin of pride. God was using them in fruitful ministry, which puffed them up. The cry of our heart must be that of the verse above. “Not to us, but we give glory to Your name!” We will have a name and a reputation. Our attitude should not be about building up our name but glorifying God in all. If someone comes to Christ, it’s not my preaching – it is God. If someone is healed, it’s not my prayer – it is God. If the church grows, it is not my leadership or anointing – it is God. If nothing happens, it’s not about me – it is God. Having faith in God means – having faith in God regardless of the outcome. “But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.” (Psalm 115:3, NASB 2020)
Let’s check ourselves. Repent when needed. And with the psalmist, deeply hold the cry of “Not to us, Lord, not to us, But to Your name give glory.” Or, to put a Latin spin on it – Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God alone.
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