John 7:18 English Standard Version (ESV) The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.

This passage is a warning to avoid men like this and not to be like this. In the truest biblical sense glory refers to reputation and when used in context with God it is seen in the person of Jesus Christ. We know that Jesus is true. He is the measuring rod of Amos which determines rightness.

We have the Word of the Lord to lead us in righteousness. We have the Holy Spirit to lead us in Truth. We are meant to glorify Jesus Christ, not ourselves. We cannot do that without following His example.

Philippians 2:8 English Standard Version (ESV) And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

That was God becoming man. He humbled Himself. We were born into sin and upon accepting Jesus Christ into our hearts became sons of God. Human humility is not our natural state. Confidence in self-effort is our natural state. We hear comments like “Take pride in your appearance.” We are raised with many messages that bolster self-confidence.

2 Corinthians 10:7 English Standard Version (ESV) Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we.

Being in Christ is what matters. How we handle ourselves, our comportment, says more than our words. Saying that we are Christians has to be supported by our actions. That is why some translations of the love chapter 1^st Corinthians 13 interpret love as charity.

Proverbs 3:3 English Standard Version (ESV) Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.

James 1:4 English Standard Version (ESV) And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Just what do we need to be complete? What determines perfection? What do we feel we are lacking?

These questions are all based on the flesh. The Spirit does not question these issues. Many times in our walk with Christ we will find ourselves asking such questions or asking for something for ourselves. It is the flesh that desires. It is the Spirit that satisfies.

Isaiah 41:13 English Standard Version (ESV) For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”

Focusing on the issue of walking with Christ, is our vision of independent movement or do we walk hand in hand?

Isaiah 41:13 creates an image of a small child being led by the hand, as if we were crossing a busy street. It is one of security and dependency. Those questions listed above are the flesh trying to exert its independence from God.

Philippians 1:6 English Standard Version (ESV) And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

We are all a work in progress. None of us are complete, yet. What we see in ourselves is flesh and has nothing to do with how God sees us. We struggle with those things in us we do not like and see them as a hindrance in our relationship. It is not.

Look once again to James 1:4 where it says “let steadfastness have its full effect”. The biblical outline usage of the steadfastness in the NT is the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.

Isaiah 41:13, don’t let go of the One who holds you.