Do you ever find yourself trying to impress God? If I get that promotion, buy my dream home or drive the right automobile, surely God will see how important I am! OK, I know material things don’t impress God, but if my congregation reaches 500 or I get to sing at the Ladies Conference; after all those things are “for God,” then everyone will know I have the favor of God on my life. My achievements will be a great platform to share Jesus with unbelievers and my big name will draw many to His love. God Is Not Impressed!!!
It is fashionable today to proclaim your faith in Christ in whatever situation you have put yourself into. We are convinced that our actions do not matter as long as we invoke the Name of Jesus. A few years ago, in a Bible study situation, Steve remarked that he didn’t understand how beauty pageants could bring glory to God. It offended someone in the group and later that evening, Steve received a call from the pastor. If we are honest, we have to agree that beauty contests are about glorifying the flesh and the creation more than the Creator. The producers have put in a talent segment and an “intellectual” question at the end, but everyone knows that is really about the contestants’ beauty, hence the name. I have a hard time believing that it is pleasing to the nature of God for a contestant to parade her scantily clad body in front of the world as she gives thanks to God. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:17 “But he that glories, let him glory in the Lord.”
We are so impressed when a worship leader, pastor’s kid or church benchwarmer makes it big on American Idol. The music obviously doesn’t move God as He has choirs of angels serenading Him constantly. What does the contestant really expect from their performance? To be recognized, make a lot of money, have millions of adoring fans, be the next American IDOL? What about that little verse in Exodus regarding other gods? God gave you the talent for praise and worship unto Him not to impress Simon Cowell. Also, if you are going to point to the sky after the touchdown or thank your “Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” when you win the MVP award, make sure your mouth glorifies Him when you get sacked or strike out on a bad call.
Our achievements mean nothing to God; it is His work that is performed in us that matters. God doesn’t need to stand on our platform to shine, He desires to shine through us, that “men may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven.” God is not impressed by our talents and beauty, since He is the Giver and Creator. The Bible tells us that He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and paves His streets with gold; do we really think our possessions and riches could impress God? Micah 6:8 gives us a clue as to what might impress God, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” If you really want to impress God, be faithful and submit your will, time, and talents to HIS plan.
