Galatians 5:25-26 – “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Today, our Heavenly Father is admonishing us not to be desirous and envious of vain glory. It is not worth it for us to provoke or be jealous of each other because of vain glory.
Vain glory simply refers to the pride, and appreciation attached to things of little or no life worth. Most of the things we pride ourselves in or boast of are not really the essentials of life. The things of great worth are the things money cannot buy.
The greatest blessing we ought to cherish in our lives is a deeper walk with God. In Him, we’ll gain access to all other things such as eternal life, wisdom, love, family, purged character, peace, joy, self-control, etc. These are the very blessings that bring satisfaction to a man’s heart. If we have these in our lives, we are truly rich.
Just as it was in the days of Paul and the ancient Galatians, so it is today. Some of us strive, swear, provoke, or get envious of other people because of vain glory. Sometimes, there is unnecessary competition among church members, whereas we have an important calling to fulfil.
There are some people who, because of their riches, walk about filled with pride and look down on others. Others pride themselves in their academic laurels, and some others in their ‘connections’. The sad thing is that all these can vanish out of a man’s life in a matter of moments. They are all vanity.
I want to exhort us all; let those of us who have these accomplishments use them, not as ends in themselves, but as means through which they may obtain the true essentials of life. Let those of us who lack these accomplishments not get jealous or envious, for these are but vain glory. Instead, let us walk in the Spirit and concentrate on the things of eternal value. Amen.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for drawing my attention to what is of eternal significance. Help me so I don’t admire the wealth of wicked men. In all I do, may I seek Your glory and not any vain glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
QUESTION FOR MEDITATION
Am I unconsciously pursuing vain glory?
