The Approach to Glory

Since being in Australia, I had a chance to talk with an Aussie (Australian person) about the approach to how they live their life. The result of this conversation has made me view my approach to life very differently. In America, I feel like the approach to living your life is like it was a magic show. Meaning, people (Christians) try to live in a way that impresses other people. They live in a way that if they put on a good enough act or put on the best possible presentation or performance, they will convince the non-Christian to believe. This is good in a sense.

The problem lies in the assumption that it’s about the person. Let me correct myself, it’s not so much the person, but rather the assumption about the role that they play. In my understanding about American evangelism is that “you” need to tell your friends about Jesus. When it comes to Wesley Institute and this Aussie, they believe this should not be the case.

They believe that it’s not so much about “you”, but rather the role that you are playing. Are “you” trying to convince your friends, or trying to live a life that gives God all the glory? Americans, can just assume that they are giving all the glory to God, even reading this, they are probably saying, “Of course I’m giving God all the glory!” … but lets be honest, really!? [In my opinion, we need to become awaken, eyes opened, live in a that we don’t simply “go to church.” I hang out with too many people that view Christianity as a hobby, this is sickening, we should live in a way that desperately cries out to God to pour grace over our wicked hearts, but I digress.]

Let me use a practical example of what I’m trying to explain. In track when they are doing a relay, they have to pass the baton. The switching from one person to another is critical. How smoothly the baton is passed is everything. It is the make or break point of the relay. However, on the other hand, when you hear how well the team did, you here about the team, and not the baton. You may hear how smoothly they were able to pass the baton, but the spotlight is not on the baton itself. I believe we as Christians are the baton. We need to play are role well, and very well, because our role is critical. We are the medium by which the non-Christian finds God, and we are the gospel-living bearers. We need to play our role so smoothly that all the glory goes to God, and non-Christians aren’t in love with us, but rather with Jesus. The approach to glory is that we become very well at handing off all the fame to God.

The approach of Wesley Institute and this Aussie is when they go into the secular world they leave the person with a signpost that can only lead to God. They want to live in a way that reflects what God desires and to do it in such a degree that leaves people with them seeing the very bright and shining glory of God. To Him be the honor forever and ever, amen.

About to head of to Oz