We get great insight into honoring God in all circumstances from Paul’s writings to the Philippian Church during his imprisonment in Rome. No matter where we might be on life’s bell curve—up, down, top, or bottom—supernatural joy can be found when we, as Paul puts it, “glory in Christ Jesus.”
In the midst of great suffering and painful circumstances, Paul describes himself as someone like those “who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh … (Philippians 3:3, NASB).” And he further expresses this attitude when he states, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am (Philippians 4:11, NASB).”
He concludes this thought with the supreme attitude of what it means to glory in Christ Jesus.
“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13, NASB
Paul’s understanding of God’s sovereignty over life allowed him to glory in Christ Jesus in good, bad, and ugly situations.
What It Means to Glory in Christ
So what is the glory found only in the person of Jesus?
According to the prophet Jeremiah, glory isn’t self-centered but God-centered.
“Thus says the Lord, ‘Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,’ declares the Lord.” -Jeremiah 9:23-24, NASB
Glory is heavy with importance. In our world, we typically determine people who deserve glory and honor based on what they have accomplished in their lifespan.
Although Paul speaks of himself and his accomplishments—which were very impressive—he does it to draw a comparison between human achievement and glorying in Christ, ultimately calling human acclaim rubbish in light of the gospel.
“But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ … .” –Philippians 3:7-8, NASB
Glory in Christ is Forever
What we focus on and value becomes what we glory in. Self-glory lasts a fleeting moment, but glory in Christ Jesus lasts for all eternity. What do you value most today?
Let’s go glory in Christ Jesus. Total abandonment to Him is the only requirement.
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