The Fading Glory!

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Scripture Text: “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” – 1 Peter 1:24–25 (KJV)

Beloved, there is a great caution for every child of God: never exchange eternal glory for fading glory. The danger of losing out on God’s glorious plan is real when we allow the enemy to derail our walk of love in Christ.

The present world is full of dazzling offers - wealth, fame, titles, and fleeting pleasures. Many are seduced by these temporal things, only to realize too late that they lead to emptiness.

While, history reminds us of men who lived solely for fading glory, for instance; Hitler of Germany and Idi Amin of Uganda rose in power, shook nations, and commanded men’s fear. Yet their power died with them, their “glory” became a byword, and their names a bitter reminder of wasted life. This is the fate of those who live only for themselves.

But God has called us to a higher glory, the glory of Christ that never fades. As Paul reminds us, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, KJV).

The creator's manual tells us that, we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works (Ephesians 2:10). Our purpose is not self-exaltation, but to shine as lights in a world gripped by darkness.

The Words of Watchman Nee:

Outside of Christ, I am weak; in Christ, I am strong. Outside of Christ, I am defeated; in Christ, I am already victorious.

Therefore, living for God means serving others in love, lifting the broken, and being agents of transformation in a troubled world. The fading glory of this world seeks to blind men from this reality, but the redeemed must live above it.

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." - 2 Corinthians 4:4 (KJV)

Every act of love you show, every soul you win, every smile you put on someone’s face becomes a seed for eternal glory. Remember, Jesus declared: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…” (Matthew 6:19–20, KJV).

Beloved, what are you living for? The applause of men that fades like smoke, or the approval of God that endures forever?

POINTS OF REFLECTION

1. Am I living for eternal purpose or chasing fading glories of the world?

2. How much of my daily choices reflect Christ’s love and light to others?

3. Am I storing treasures in heaven, or investing in things that will perish?

PRAYER KEY POINTS

Father, IJN: Thank You for calling me into Your eternal glory and not the fading glory of this world.

Father, IJN: Guard my heart from pride, selfishness, and the lure of worldly power, wealth, and fame.

Father, IJN: Help me to live for You daily, serving others in love, and fulfilling my divine purpose.

COMMIT TO MEMORY

“And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.” – 1 John 2:17 (KJV)

ASSIGNMENT

Examine your pursuits this week. Identify anything you are chasing that has no eternal value, and lay it at the feet of Jesus.

Redirect your energy towards what glorifies God, such as serving, giving, loving, and spreading the gospel.

A life lived for self fades quickly, but a life lived for Christ shines forever.