Three G’s!

September 14, 2023

Three G’s!

When I have breathed my last breath, I want to be remembered.  I want to be remembered as a husband who adored his wife, a father who was proud of his daughters, and a child of God who was committed to bring glory to Jesus.

Leaving behind some belongings I have decided are important or someone else has decided have great value is not all that important to me.  Leaving a legacy of being successful in my career, living in the most desirable neighborhood, or knowing lots of people is not all that important to me. 

I want to leave a legacy in which people celebrate that I always wanted to give glory to Jesus.  I am reminded of a simple statement that the Apostle Paul wrote during the first century.  He writes to a group of Christ-followers who are arguing, filled with pride, and putting one another down. 

Paul wants to point this church to the one thing that is most important; giving glory to Jesus!  In II Corinthians 4:15, the Apostle Paul writes; “Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.”

Paul is clear that no matter what else seems important, in “everything” the most important thing is giving “glory to God.”  This spiritual truth focuses on three “G’s”; Grace, Gratitude, and Glory.

I am saved by grace!

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

The forgiveness of my sin has little to do with me.  Forgiveness has everything to do with the gift of Jesus’ life and love on a cross.  Because Jesus paid the price for my sin, I can have the assurance I am forgiven.

Living in relationship with Jesus has little to do with my effort or my goodness.  Salvation has everything to do with Jesus living and dying and then living again.  Because Jesus lives, I can live with Jesus.

The in-filling of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence has little to do with my strength or my faith.  The anointing of the Spirit has everything to do with His desire to make me strong and courageous.  Because the Spirit is Jesus’ gift to me, I can live an empowered life.

I am called to be grateful!   

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  I Thessalonians 5:16-18 

Realizing that in everything, I can (and should!) express my gratitude to the Lord God shifts my focus from my circumstances to Christ.  No matter if I am afraid or feel inadequate or am impatient, I can find something for which to express my gratitude to Jesus.

My Heavenly Father is eager to hear my gratitude for the beauty of creation, for the gift of Jesus, and for the wonderful people the Lord brings into my life. 

Often gratitude begins to fill my thoughts and prayers when I stop whining about what happened in the past, complaining about the way things are today, or lamenting the future will not be any better.  Gratitude changes my perspective and the focus on my heart so I can see things more like Jesus sees them.  There is joy that comes with gratitude.

I am my best when I give glory to the Lord!

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.”  Psalm 115:1

I give glory to Jesus because His love for me is amazing and unconditional.  I give glory to Jesus because He is always faithful and true to me.  I give glory to Jesus because He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords. 

I give glory to Jesus because He has called me and has chosen me.  I give glory to Jesus because He cares about me and listens to me.  I give glory to Jesus because He continues to draw me closer to His heart.

Lauren Daigle sings a song titled “Tremble” in which she gives glory to the Lord God.  The song focuses on what happens when we live in God’s grace, when our heart expresses gratitude to God, and when we give glory to the Lord.  The goodness and greatness of God causes her (and us!) to tremble!  Here is the opening verse of the song.

“I will tremble at no other name
My heart’s surrendered to no other reign
I will bow at no other throne
And rest my heart at no other home
Let these hands lift no other crown
Let these knees fall on no other ground
Draw these eyes from the gold that won’t shine
You turn this life from water to wine

And I tremble

I tremble, Lord
In your presence
In your presence, oh yeah”

(Songwriters: Lauren Daigle/Paul Brendon Mabury/Paul T. Duncan, 2021)

Take a moment today to ask three questions;

1. Do you have the assurance you are saved by grace rather than by your goodness?
2. What would it look like if you took time each hour of each day for one week to express your gratitude to Jesus?
3. Is your taking credit or your complaining taking the place of giving glory to Jesus?

When we live with the three “G’s” (Grace, Gratitude, and Glory), our heart will be drawn closer to Jesus and our lives will be filled with more delight in the Lord.

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug