Man has always wanted to seek his own glory, meanwhile Jesus Himself exhorts them to seek God’s glory and not their own.
Anyone who clings to the glory of man, who immerses himself in vanity, is saying that he does not believe in the glory and life of Jesus, that glory that purifies us and transforms us when it reaches us.
How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
John 5:44
In one way or another, since the Master wanted to show them that the glory of man serves only for his own destruction, that is why we see Jesus questioning why they do not seek the glory that comes from the only God, because we all know that this glory is perfect, good and with it comes salvation.
Have you always sought your own glory and the glory of others and have you forgotten the glory of God? Come to Jesus and you will find salvation because Jesus is the one who has the power to save you. Seek the glory of Jesus.
Throughout history, humanity has been driven by a deep desire for recognition, approval, and admiration. From ancient kingdoms to modern societies, men and women have labored to exalt their own names, build monuments to themselves, and leave behind a legacy that speaks of their achievements. However, Scripture reminds us that the glory that comes from men is fleeting, temporary, and fragile. What today is praised, tomorrow is forgotten, and what today is exalted, tomorrow may be despised.
Jesus, in His earthly ministry, constantly confronted this human tendency. He exposed the danger of living for applause and external honor, because such a life blinds the heart and prevents true faith. When a person seeks validation from others, their spiritual vision becomes distorted, and they lose sensitivity to the voice of God. The Lord made it clear that it is impossible to live fully for God while being enslaved to the approval of men.
The glory that comes from God is radically different from the glory of this world. Human glory elevates the ego, feeds pride, and separates the heart from humility. Divine glory, on the other hand, humbles, purifies, and restores. It does not exalt man above others, but places man in his rightful position before a holy and sovereign God. This is why Jesus emphasized seeking the honor that comes from God alone.
Many religious leaders of Jesus’ time appeared righteous on the outside, but inwardly they longed for recognition, titles, and respect from people. Their desire for human praise prevented them from recognizing the Messiah standing before them. This same danger exists today. It is possible to serve, preach, sing, or give, and yet secretly pursue personal glory rather than the glory of God. When this happens, faith becomes superficial and obedience loses its sincerity.
Seeking God’s glory requires a conscious decision to deny oneself. It means choosing obedience even when no one applauds, remaining faithful when no one notices, and walking in righteousness even when it costs reputation or comfort. Jesus Himself is the greatest example of this. He did not seek His own honor, but the will of the Father, and because of His humility, God exalted Him above all.
When we shift our focus from our own glory to God’s glory, our lives are transformed. Anxiety about approval diminishes, pride is broken, and true peace takes root in the heart. We begin to live with eternal purpose rather than temporary ambition. The glory of God fills the soul with hope, renews the mind, and produces fruit that remains.
To seek the glory of God is to acknowledge that all good things come from Him. It is to live in gratitude, recognizing that without His grace we are nothing. This pursuit draws us closer to Christ, shapes our character, and aligns our desires with His will. It is in this posture of humility that salvation is not only received, but also lived out daily.
Therefore, let us examine our hearts honestly. Let us ask ourselves who we truly seek to please and whose approval we value most. The glory of man will fade, but the glory of God endures forever. When we seek Him above all else, we find not only eternal life, but also a life filled with meaning, truth, and lasting hope.