We lift the cross/ lift it high, lift it high/We lift the cross/ lift it high, lift it high/ (Repeat)
I have been captured by the newest Passion CD, White Flag. I’m a little bit late to the party since it has been out for several months, even before I bought it a couple of weeks ago. The lyrics above are from the song by that title and sung by Chris Tomlin. Throughout the CD you will hear expressions of “lifting up the cross” or “glorifying God” or some other form of expression that calls us to honor God. If you look up glorify in the dictionary you will find these definitions: “To make glorious (I thought you weren’t supposed to use a word or derivative to define that word) by bestowing honor, praise and adoration, to elevate.”
The lyrics from White Flag remind me of one of my favorite verses (and my brother, Rob’s, favorite) found in Galatians 6:14: “May I never boast except in the cross of Christ.” Today I read from 2 Thessalonians 1. Verse 12 says, “So that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him.”
One last verses to think about: “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Col.3:17
So…to glorify God means to honor Him. But the challenge is not to do so with just our lips. Anyone can do that. It is to do so with our lips and life. In fact, I daresay that our life ought to be right out front for all to see. We have all heard the expression “Talk is cheap.” In the life of the Christ-follower, I am not sure truer words can be said.
How do plan to honor Him today (or do you)? How will people know that you are not boasting in yourself but in the cross? Please don’t give the wimpy (and falsely humble) statement, “Well, it’s not me; it’s Him.” I hate to say it, but that sounds so lame and fake to me. I’d like to hear your thoughts.
Oh, and just in case, you may be like me and come late to the party, listen to the song for yourself:
I plan to do my part today by watching what I say to others and how I say it. I need to improve in these areas.
That is a good place to start! Think I will join you. 🙂
by living the truth of Scripture. I’ve lived so long reading Jesus’ words but not letting them sink into my life. Jesus said that we can ask for anything and it will be given (I’m not saying Jesus is a vending machine 🙂 – I don’t do enough asking! I want to do things on my own. My part will be to trust God and ask for His boldness to live life today.
you are not alone Craig of reading but not living.
I was listening to something the other day which struck me – each decision to sin or to not sin, to live wisely or unwisely is ultimately about the glory of God. Am I going to choose the option that would bring him the most glory? It added another element to my thoughts on sin.
So, to answer your question, I hope to bring him glory today by living as a child should live.
That is a great perspective Loren! Good ooomph for me as well.
One way is to look at my folks on mythe team with loveRob and treat them well. Another is work unto the Lord at my job.
Not sure who loveRob is… 🙂 But you are right. Start with the team and work for Him.
Hi Bill,
I believe that I honored my Lord Jesus yesterday.
There were bottles of hard liquor and champagne after the wedding. I accepted about an inch and a half of champagne in a plastic cup to toast the bride and groom.
I suppose I could have decided to have a couple of hard liquor drinks. I made my decision long ago that I was not going to drink alcohol.
I keep my mind sober.
For you to do something else would have been wrong for you. I applaud your choice to refrain.
I came late to the party too Bill. I got to play White Flag for the first time a couple of Sundays ago. Our teens learned it at camp directly from Chris Tomlin. Camp was different for me growing up – some college kid who could play the guitar led worship – now Chris Tomlin and Skillet lead worship for my kids!
The song speaks of surrender to God and I certainly could do a better job of that today. I do try to honor Him with my actions.
Man, that is a real bummer…for us not for them. To learn it from him personally? WOW! it does speak of surrender. Honoring with actions speaks volumes.
Hmmm….I’m not so sure I had a plan to glorify Him today. I guess I got caught up in the routine already…thanks for the neck snapping back into reality post Bill…you really know how to get to a guy. 😉
🙂 Jay. It sure is easy to get into a routine.
Well, I plan to honor Him by thinking less of myself and trying to make my point… done that today, hasn’t worked out too good so far…
It is a constant struggle to glorify God in the flesh. Every time we look a little better than average, it is His grace, blessings, and strength that make it so, yet we believe, even for a split second, that we’re just pretty good stuff…
It’s all about HIm, thanks for the needed reminder from the “dense” section!
I speak from the dense section Floyd. I try to do way too much in my flesh. Keep struggling. Your efforts to honor Him will be blessed.
Hi Bill,
I’ve listened to the song White Flag a few times. Sometimes as believers we don’t know how much we resist God and fight against Him in our hearts and lives.
We do have rebel hearts. Rebellion against God is a common malady of men, some believers are included also as being rebellious against God.
Raising our ‘white flag’ and surrendering is a wise thing for a person to do. We will not win fighting against God.
We may feel resentful and upset about this lack of power to win against God, but we will come around when we ‘lift our hearts, and declare that God is the winner’.
We are God’s creation. Our surrender is recognizing this. This honors God. This gives God the Glory that is due His Name . He is worthy, and it is honorable for us to surrender all that we have to Him.
‘Bout sums it up Linda.
By carrying grace and compassion to those who need it whether it be in my own family, at the grocery store, or wherever else. I truly believe we can change atmospheres just by being in a place and I’m counting on His Spirit! Good stuff, Bill. Thank you.
Not a much better way to glorify Him that with grace and compassion. I have this sneaking suspicion that you love to do that.
Simply by giving Him thanks!
he deserves it for sure Ed.
I love that song! Thanks for posting it, this was the first time I’ve heard it. I love the lyrics “we lift the cross, lift it high, lift it high” Wow! I hope that people can see me lifting the cross of grace, love & kindness to them. All the things God gives me through Jesus. I went shopping today(an act I do not enjoy) for a few new clothes for my job, thinking about me,me,me….after I came out of the store with my purchases, I realized, it’s not about me,me,me…..GOD gave me this job & it’s not about clothes. I hope my actions & words honor Him in my new job. Thanks for the 2×4, I needed that. 🙂
Glad you liked the song Jan. The message is powerful.