enhancing God’s reputation

Devotions from Jefferson Vann # 2418

John 7:15-18

Joh 7:15 Then the Jews were amazed and said, “How can this man know so many writings, since he hasn’t been trained?”
Joh 7:16 Jesus answered them, “My teaching isn’t mine but is from the one who sent me.
Joh 7:17 If someone wants to do what he wants, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking from myself.
Joh 7:18 The one who speaks from himself seeks to enhance his own reputation; but the one who seeks to enhance the reputation of the one who sent him is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

enhancing God’s reputation

Make it your life’s goal to enhance the reputation of God. One of the ways you can do this is by speaking God’s truth into your life situation. But this comes at a price. You did not come down from the sky like Jesus did. The only way for you to know God’s words and teach God’s teachings is for you to bury yourself in this Bible of his. There is no shortcut. Immerse yourself in the healing water of life. Then, when you encounter that woman at the well, you will be ready to lead her to Christ. Be born from above through the Spirit. Then, when you meet your Nicodemus, you will be able to guide him through the same experience. This is how God’s reputation is enhanced, one soul at a time.

LORD, glorify yourself through us.