It's the "So that's" that need examining.

I recently painted a quote on a pair of cowboy boots, that seems to be not only thought provoking; but, also somewhat controversial. And how does the quote read?

"God’s glory is more worth than heaven, more worth than the salvation of all men’s souls."


What?   What does this mean?  In our day, this statement gets some very interesting reactions; mostly uncomfortable facial expressions that might convey confusion mixed with indignation. Why is this? I believe it is because our culture's Christianity has become progressively "man-centered"--more so than most want to admit. The idea that God's glory can be (and is) more important than our salvation is simply something that American Christians cannot digest.  After all, we are the most important thing in the entire world, right?  Wasn't God created for our sake?  Although some may not want to come right out and make those statements, I think if we really examine our hearts attitude towards these things, we will find that our hearts have been strongly influenced by the "man-centered" Christianity that is prevalent in this country and in our Christian culture.   The entire Word of God, undeniably supports the truth of that controversial quote.  So why should it create controversy?  I think the answer is obvious: we have become so man-centered at the very core of our Christianity that even the thought that anything (including God's Honor and Glory) is more important than our salvation actually appals us.  Let us ponder these statements from God Himself:

Why were we created?:

Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the end of the earth, every one who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory (Isaiah 43:6-7).

Why are we saved?:

I acted for the sake of my name, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out (Ezekiel 20:14).

Why are we sanctified?:

Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, for My own sake, I will act; for how can My name be profaned? And My glory I will not give to another (Isaiah 48:10-11).

It seems to me that many (if not most) people's motivation for: mortifying sin; sharing the gospel with others; attending church services and functions; etc,  is actually a deep rooted desire to feel better about themselves as opposed to a grace-filled desire to please God and life lives that bring His name honor and glory.

If your "So that's" are any of the following:

So that I have less guilt.
So that I feel better about myself.
So that I gain more assurance of my salvation.
So that I can see and experience more fruit in my walk?

If those are your "So that's", I suggest to you that you have a "man-centered" faith and have missed God's purpose in creating man; in saving men; and in sanctifying men; and, your life will be one that causes His name to be "profaned in the sight of the nations".

Hard and uncomfortable thoughts to ponder?  Perhaps.  However, if one wants to find true joy in their walk with the Lord, one must ponder them.  It is not about us, or you; it is about HIM!Even in faithful, bible-believing churches, you hear the desire being expressed in prayer,  "Make us more like Jesus"; which is good and right.  However, it usually ends there.  We must go beyond that.  Why do we want to be more like Jesus?  Why do we want to live in obedience to God's Word?  Why do we want to share the gospel with others?  It's the right "So that..." which is missing.