paul wishes so deeply that he didn’t have to talk about himself because he only truly wanted to speak of the name of Jesus. because of the tainted teachings of the super apostles at the time, the corinthians potentially and incorrectly connected paul’s authority (or lack thereof in their minds) to the person of Jesus.
paul didn’t want to be known by them because he was fully known by his Heavenly Father. paul wanted the corinthians to experience the same.
this past year going through the internship, focusing on teaching, there was still a part of me that was trying to steal a little bit of God’s glory. i could put on a big conference. i could mostly do it myself. i do marketing for a living after all. my name could be known. that could show women can lead and use the gifting of teaching. but I’m so thankful that I serve a God that leads me to repentance in His loving kindness when i try to steal His glory.
because of God’s character, an accumulation of all desirable attributes and self-sacrificing love, He alone is worthy of any and all glory.
unlike paul, how are you getting in the way of those around you seeing the radiance of God’s glory?
he is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. hebrews 1:3
for from him and through him and to him are all things. to him be glory forever. amen. romans 11:36
everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. isaiah 43:7
~ natalie schmidt