Hold the Applause, November 5
By David Gira
Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV).
The glorious worship service featured a musical cantata expounding upon the sacrificial death of Jesus. A choir numbering fifty singers, several soloists with beautiful voices, a magnificent pipe organ, grand piano, and stringed instruments filled the sanctuary with beautiful sounds. As the cantata came to its final crescendo and the choir sang, “Christ, we adore Thee, and we do praise Thee forever!” bright sunlight shone through the stained-glass windows, making the experience even more heavenly.
The congregation erupted in applause for the choir, soloists, musicians, director, and all involved. The pastor approached the pulpit, clapping as she came. As the applause continued, she thanked each one for their splendid performance.
As the applause faded, the pastor invited the congregation to the next item of the service. My heart sank. The choir had majestically proclaimed Jesus, the sacrificed Lamb of God. Before moving on, I wanted her or someone to proclaim, “Jesus, we did all of this for You. Let us stand, applaud Jesus, and give God our highest praise and all the glory!”
Today’s Bible verse exhorts us to do everything “for the glory of God.” What we eat and drink, what we believe and speak, how we treat others and care for our bodies, our daily activities and our worship should all be done in a way that gives God all of the glory.
At the completion of any task well done, when we’ve been successful, won, prospered, or overcome obstacles, it’s easy to praise ourselves. If you’re like me, you may have worked hard and longed desperately for the approval and affirmation of others. When the accolades and applause come, you want to soak it up. Yes! Yes! To me be the glory!! We should instead always direct the glory back to God.
In your cancer journey, there may be times when people praise you. “You are handling cancer and everything it has thrown at you so incredibly. You are so strong! So faithful and inspiring.” Don’t be surprised by their kind words! God has made you wonderful and amazing, and Jesus is strengthening you for all things, especially cancer. Nonetheless, when you sense accolades coming, politely ask your admirers to hold their applause for you, and first give all the glory to God.
We can learn from star athletes interviewed after a big win. With reporter and camera on them, they first proclaim, “This is for God’s glory. I thank Him for giving me the abilities and this opportunity. Thank You, Jesus!”
But how can you glorify God when you’re losing the battle with cancer, or when you’re in pain, suffering, and your future is uncertain? Like Jesus, who attained His greatest glory on the cross, we can pray, “not my will but Yours” and commit ourselves into God’s hands. When others pity you, ask them to praise God and pray for healing. Listen to His Word. Trust God completely. Choose faith over fear. Care for your caregivers. Tell everyone about God’s goodness and love.
Pray: Lord Jesus, help me give You all the glory all the time. You deserve all my attention, praise, and thanksgiving. I want to do everything for You. In this journey with cancer, keep me focused on You. Use me to help others see Your greatness and draw them to You. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: This reflection brings many songs to mind, but first is the hymn, “To God Be the Glory.” This recording at Royal Albert Hall in London differs from anything I ever experienced, but the song remains a special part of my life. Second is “Audience of One” by Big Daddy Weave.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a seven-year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
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