“Vainglory” . . . What is this?

Most of us who have been around awhile, know this term. Some of us may not have been the most educated in men’s knowledge, but honestly, this word speaks for itself.

Way back, maybe that’s further back then some of us want to admit, we were taught and we knew all about giving glory to God.

Do you know, we could actually tell when someone was “puffed-up” or operating in the flesh? It was easily recognized, by even young converts.

We’ve talked here, about not always wanting to speak of the hard issues. The truth is, we like it better when the Spirit uses us to say something nice and loving — you get many more Facebook ‘likes.’

If you are to genuinely follow the Spirit and be the vessel that He can operate through, you’ll take “all” of the assignments. And you’ll have to stop worrying about how many “likes” you get.

It’s a true blessing and a much needed uplifting in your spirit, when people like what you feel God has truly spoken through you to say. Taking time to comment, is so rewarding.

That said, unplanned and into the late hours, I ended up spending a long time listening to church music.

What I was looking for, was that old-fashioned kind of our playing and singing that I grew up with.

Does anyone stop long enough to remember, what wonderful music we had in those days?

Just how anointed our people were; the choirs that moved the church to deeper depths and great heights?

And such a diversity of musicians and singers. People don’t like to talk about the old paths and the way we did things; declaring, ‘a different time’.

Vainglory = extreme self-pride and boastfulness; excessive and ostentatious vanity.

Vain, in this case, means having or showing excessively high regard for one’s self, looks or one’s ability.

Vanity, is all of the above, but also includes the term self-satisfaction.

We simply cannot glorify God and ourselves at the same time.

What if I were to say that there are those in the church who are gifted; and they can see and hear all of this very clearly? Even beginners, once heard uncertain sounds.

It seemed most of our people were musically talented. The incredible harmony cannot be compared. And we knew how to follow.

I’m afraid some folk don’t even know what that means.

A dedicated desire to honor God and to sing in the Holy Ghost, was the only acceptable way.

Buried under all of this “different time” prominence, are yet families which have the most gifted and precious harmony in all the world.

But it appears, they are not welcome to the stage in most churches. Do churches go back and listen to their praise team videos?

It’s one thing to say that I give Glory to God; it’s another thing to do it!

I’m telling God right now, that I don’t want to say this. What is the purpose of these blue lights shining all over the church and the platform?

I saw this recently at a renowned camp-meeting that I was once a part of. I was completely stunned; and a sadness crept over me.

Will someone find out who started this and who approved it? It’s not the Holy Ghost.

Leaders need to re-wind and watch those leading the worship.

Is there no fear anymore of taking some of God’s Glory for yourself?

That’s how you know we have lost the Fear of The LORD.

We wouldn’t have dared do such a thing; singing and playing in self, or preaching for that matter.

We were afraid God might have struck us dead; and He might have…..

It was about our hearts. We knew we were called of God to be used in His house. We treasured that.

It was a precious calling. He won’t share His Glory; not with anyone. He will, step away.

 

~ Robert Blackburn

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Robert Blackburn

 

 

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