… ⁶nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we might have asserted our authority.

Glory seeking comes in many forms. We see it clearly in others, blind to it in ourselves. To talk about it without hypocrisy we must talk about it first in ourselves before we look for it in others. We tend to justify our own glory seeking with the greatest possible benefit of doubt. How do I know I am not guilty? Listen closely to what the apostle wrote elsewhere, “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Cor. 10:12).

Not just “we,” but I must consider my own hypocrisy as the starting point of thinking on this issue. In what ways do I seek glory from others? How often do I look in a mirror? How much attention do I spend on making myself “attractive,” on my fashion and grooming choices? What do I think when someone else receives more attention than I do? Do I seek others to admire me for some quality, trait, or ability—intelligence, social standing, position in the power structure among co-workers? How often do I act like I am saying, “Look at me,” “pay attention to me”?

Interestingly, Paul of all people drew attention to himself as a model or example of Christ-like living. Some easily jump to the conclusion that this is vain-glorious, but his goal, as he painstakingly made clear, was for people to see past him to Christ. He was simply the lens to help them focus on what Christ-like living looks like in mere human flesh. It was never about Paul’s own glory.

Can I be as definitive as Paul? When I pray, do I seek glory by comparison with others, like the Pharisee who prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other people …” (Luke 18:10)? The Lord, who is perfect and majestic, is not impressed with my self-appraisals of righteousness. When He does a great work through me, do I look for people to recognize my faithfulness, holiness, love, generosity, or sacrifice? If you resonate with this, might you join me in tattooing onto our hearts and minds what the Lord made absolutely clear:

“I am the Lord, that is My name; I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images.” (Is. 42:8)

In seeking our own glory, we become graven images, making a poor attempt at replicating God’s glory. When we do so we flirt with, even begin, the downward spiral of sin: “Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man …” (Rom. 1:22–23).

Lord, I confess my vain efforts for my own glory. Your glory is all that matters.