John 7:18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who is seeking the glory of the One who sent Him, He is true, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
This verse informs us of what was and is going on in Jesus’ heart. He doesn’t seek His own glory. He seeks the glory of His Father, which makes Him true and righteous. Is there anyone like this other than Jesus? Only those who are abiding in Jesus.
If we are going to live to love with Jesus, we can’t have the attitude of the world. In this world, everyone speaks for himself and seeks his own glory. We know this is true because we have all been like that. It never crossed our minds to seek the glory of God who created us. That’s the old man we are to put off.
Our minds must be renewed if we are going to live and walk with Jesus. What He says, sees, and does is the truth. Everything He does is righteous, which is another way to describe what love for people looks like. This is our aim: to live for the glory of God, who sent Jesus into this world. For His glory, God gave Jesus to live for and in us. Then, having regenerated us, send us into this world. We are not to speak from ourselves, but to speak from Christ. To speak from Christ, we have to renew our minds to think and believe as He thinks and believes.
The apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians (4:22-24) that they were to put off the old man and put on the new man, which is Christ.
That, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
This verse tells us what to put on as we put on Christ each day. We are seeking the glory of God revealed in the life of Jesus Christ, so we don’t speak from ourselves, but from Him who lives in us and has been sent as the savior of the world. This encourages us to memorize and apply Jesus’ line of thinking—His worldview, which I’ve condensed to three foundational truths for love.
There is one God from whom are all things, and He is love.
Jesus love is enough. His love and will satisfy my soul.
God’s purpose in all things is to reveal His Son in me and to prepare me for eternity.
These three truths are the truth and reveal righteousness. They are from God. No natural man thinks this way or believes these things. As we practice applying these three truths to every situation and relationship, we learn that they are from God and are the truth. I hope you’ll write these down. Memorize them, and every morning remind yourself of them so you can put on Christ and live to love with Him for the glory of God.
I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of "giving it forward," so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.
