Glory Sightings

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory” Ephesians 1:11-12

This past summer, President George W. Bush hosted a rather unusual event for a foreign dignitary. The visitor was the prime minister of Japan who, instead of the typical formal press conferences and Washington D.C. black-tie state dinner, requested a special visit to an American landmark. The Japanese guest, an avid Elvis Presley fan, asked to be taken to Graceland, the Presley home in Memphis, Tennessee. In the midst of the state dinner at Graceland, Prime Minister Koizumi took the stage and broke into an impromptu Elvis tune! It seems that Elvis obsessions extend well beyond the borders of the US.

In the years since Elvis passed away, the rumor mills have occasionally reported an “Elvis-sighting.” Die-hard fans, refusing to believe that “the King” is dead, have claimed to spot him in grocery store parking lots, fast food joints, hotel swimming pools, and cruising along in traffic (driving various shades of Cadillac)! Web sites and fan clubs are consumed by this sincere, yet ultimately trivial pursuit.

But the prime minister’s visit to Graceland and the phenomenon of “Elvis-sightings” got me thinking. Some Elvis fans are pursuing a glimpse of “the King” in everyday life, hoping that he might still be alive. But as Christians, you and I serve the real King who, although crucified, is now alive. His character and His glory, the Bible says, are to be on display in the lives of those of us who follow Him. Each day you and I are provided with opportunities to give someone a “glory sighting,” as the attitudes and character of Jesus are made evident through our actions and attitudes.

In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he points out that we are chosen for the express purpose of living “for the praise of His glory.” We have been chosen, bought back from sin, and transformed for a reason. With the Holy Spirit resident in our lives, our attitudes and actions can bring glory to God and provide someone with a glimpse of His presence through us in our world. So, where might these “glory sightings” be taking place? Maybe in the grocery store parking lots where we stop and help a physically challenged person get groceries in the car. That’s a glimpse of God’s love. How about the fast-food joint where our demeanor and interaction with the staff demonstrate the worth and value that every person has in God’s eyes? Or maybe a “glory sighting” will take place at a hotel swimming pool where our commitment to integrity and purity marks not only our choice of swimwear, but also where we fix our attention and eyes. Wouldn’t it be great if there were some “glory sightings” in traffic—where our responses and reactions to other drivers show God’s infinite patience and grace?

Maybe as those around us start logging a few “glory sightings,” they’ll become curious about the real King and turn to Him and His grace. It’s why God chose us in the first place. Doing daily glory sightings is a passion and pursuit worth living for!

YOUR JOURNEY…

• List some of the “glory sightings” you have observed in the lives of others. How has God’s glory, displayed through the lives of other Christians, impacted you?
• Do a quick self-check over the last few days and spotlight some moments where God’s glory might have been sighted in your actions and attitudes. Take a few minutes to praise God for the privilege of representing Him.
• Write out some of the everyday tasks that are on your list for today. How could these become opportunities for others to spot God’s glory in your life? Pray that God will display His glory through you… it’s what He chose you for!