“I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God!” (John 5:41-44)
Before I had my first child, I was an actress. As I performed in more and more shows around town, I got a small fan club who would excitedly go see me wherever I performed. That really went to my head and I became very full of myself – I thought I was the best actress in the region and was crushed whenever someone else got a role I really wanted.
As you’d suspect, my attitude blew up in my face. I started getting cast in fewer shows. Folks in the acting community stopped talking to me. Then I found out I was pregnant with my daughter. That forced me to give up theatre and I focused on being a mom and getting a career that was a little more stable.
Now I’m older and I think a little wiser. I don’t perform much any more – I’m not involved at all in the local theatre community. As my time has freed up a bit with my kids getting older, I think about getting back into it. But I dread it because I’m so aware of how ugly I was when I was acting professionally. I was really full of myself.
It’s been a struggle in my hobby as well. One day I realized I was so busy searching for outside validation of my talents that I was missing the point – my insecurity was holding me back.
After a lot of introspection, I developed what I call the “Rule of Awesome”.
The Rule of Awesome is that I accept where my talents lie. I embrace them. I’m an awesome actress, storyteller, and singer. I don’t need validation from anyone about those talents. It’s what I’m good at – after all, I’ve spent 36 years honing those skills. (It helps that I know where a lot of my weaknesses are and I don’t shy away from admitting them). I view my talent as a gift from God and want to find ways to glorify Him whenever possible.
While I’ve implemented the Rule of Awesome into my life when it comes to my performing, I need to work on applying it across the board.
I still seek the glory of others a lot more than I focus on the glory that is God.
What is glory from men? Merriam-Webster Dictionary tells us it’s “praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent : renown”.
Why am I still seeking praise, honor, distinction, or renown from others instead of spending time focusing on the glory of God?
I started something new today. I spent this morning’s drive in to work thanking God for all I have. My talents, my strengths, my life, my loved ones, and more. I asked God to help me find more ways to glorify Him in all I do and say.
I thought about the angels that appeared to the shepherds when Jesus was born and how they sang of God’s glory. That’s my goal – to spend more time praising God than seeking praise for myself. If I happen to use those talents and abilities He’s blessed me with to do that, even better.
Dear God, thank you for all you have given me. Please help me find ways to glorify You in all I say and do. Help me worry less about myself and how others view me and help me focus on how awesome YOU are. Amen.