The Glory That Comes from God Alone

Posted byCovenant PresbyterianPosted inDaily Devotional

Scripture: John 5:44 (ESV) – “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”

Here Jesus uncovers one of the greatest obstacles to faith: the craving for human praise. He asks a piercing question—How can you believe—when your heart is shaped not by a hunger for God’s approval, but by a desire to be admired by others? Pride and fear of man blind the soul to the beauty and authority of Christ.

This is not just a problem for the religious elite of Jesus’ day—it’s a warning for us as well. When we measure success by the approval of people, or when our deepest need is to be accepted, applauded, or affirmed by others, we will struggle to truly believe. Faith requires a shift in allegiance—from man’s opinion to God’s verdict.

William Gouge warned that the pursuit of worldly praise dulls the heart to divine things. “The applause of men,” he wrote, “is like wind in the ears—it stirs noise but brings no life.” True faith seeks not the shifting opinions of people, but the lasting commendation that comes from God alone.

This verse challenges us to examine our motivations: Do we fear man more than we fear God? Do we seek honor from others more than the presence of God? Until we are weaned from human praise, we will remain deaf to the voice of Christ.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Why does the desire for human approval hinder true faith?
  2. In what areas of your life are you tempted to seek man’s praise over God’s approval?
  3. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart that seeks the glory that comes from God alone?

Prayer:

Lord, we confess how often we long for the approval of others. But their praise is fleeting and fragile. Teach us to care more for Your smile than for the applause of men. Free us from the fear of rejection, and deepen our desire to live for Your glory alone. Amen.

This devotional is based on John 5:44, drawing insight from William Gouge’s theological reflections and the pastoral teaching of Pastor Chris Cousine.

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