The Meaning and Significance of Glory
By Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Glory Belongs to God Alone
“Every person in this room is gifted. Each one of us has at least a spiritual gift, quite likely more than one. You are gifted. You are called. In ministry, it isn’t a job, it’s a calling. Hirelings are hired. Shepherds are called. Ministers of the gospel are called. Evangelists, missionaries, counselors, those in music, those who write, those who teach. It’s a calling. Because we are gifted and because we are called, it is easy. It is a great temptation to take glory (don’t forget that I said this) rather than to give glory. ‘I the Lord, that is my name. My glory I will give to no one else. It’s mine.’”
Your Life Qualifies You, not Your Training
“You’ll get your training wherever you go to school. You may get advanced training beyond that, but training never really qualified anybody. It just gives you a foot in the door for the interview. Your life is what qualifies you. That is where your reputation rests. No one will ever ask if they can see a copy of your transcript. You’re the only one who will be impressed with that.”
The Occupational Hazard to Ministry
“There are occupational hazards to every calling, this one especially, and I put my finger on hazard number one, and that’s pride. I hope when I meet you 20 years from now, first that I’ll be alive, and second, that you will be as humble then as you are now. I hope when I see you engaged in your ministry, wherever it may be, that you’re able to say, ‘I remember, Chuck, that day you challenged all of us to watch out for getting the glory that belongs only to God. I want you to know I’ve never forgotten that. And I want you to know it’s helped me keep my feet on the ground, keep my head straight, keep my heart warm.’”
The Lord’s Help is Essential
“Remember, the Lord helped Uzziah until his heart became proud, and then from then on, he didn’t really need the Lord. He could handle it. When the Lord’s help is no longer considered essential, watch out.”
Signs You’re Slipping into Pride
“When greater battles are fought within than without, you’re on your way down. When greater battles are fought within than without, you’re going under. When you become defensive. Start polishing your own image. Promoting your own stuff. Looking for more money. Looking for more money. Watch out for that one. When greater battles are fought within than without.”
Additional Resources
First, sign up for our Chuck’s Insights on Ministry email where we bring you his best thoughts on preaching, leadership, and ministry each week. By signing up, you’ll instantly receive a one-page checklist with 20 preaching insights from Chuck. See this page’s sidebar.
Second, check out our new Preach The Word articles and video series on YouTube where we’re teaching Chuck’s best insights on this important calling.
Third, listen to Chuck’s messages to those in ministry through our Seminary Chapels page. For decades, he offered students at Dallas Theological Seminary his best thoughts on church leadership and ministry. Now, we have put them at your finger tips. Also, you can find them through this YouTube playlist we created for you.
Fourth, if you don’t own a copy of Chuck’s book on preaching, Saying It Well, we highly recommend you add it to your library. It’s his preaching memoir that is also like a practical preaching manual. You won’t be able to put it down.
About the author
Pastor Chuck Swindoll
Pastor Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the accurate, practical teaching and application of God’s Word. He is the founding pastor of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, but Chuck’s listening audience extends far beyond a local church body. As a leading program in Christian broadcasting since 1979, Insight for Living airs around the world. Chuck’s leadership as president and now chancellor emeritus at Dallas Theological Seminary has helped prepare and equip a new generation of men and women for ministry.
