When Glory Tries to Steal Worship

Saying no to a counterfeit offer, resting in the security of what’s already mine in Christ

Devotional Source: eManna
Photo Credit: Unsplash

Today’s devotional from Witness Lee walks us into the wilderness, where Satan tempts Jesus with the allure of worldly glory. He offers all the kingdoms of the earth if Jesus would bow in worship. This temptation wasn’t empty. Luke 4:6 tells us that the devil had been given authority over these kingdoms and could offer them to whomever he chose. But what he really wanted was not to give something away. He wanted something for himself. Worship that belongs to God alone.

Jesus answered, not as the exalted Son from heaven, but as a humble man standing in full reliance upon the Father. He quoted from Scripture, saying, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.” That was not just a verse. It was a declaration. Jesus made it clear that glory apart from God’s will is not a gift but a trap.

The real danger here wasn’t just the offer of power. It was the invitation to misplace worship. Satan doesn’t always tempt with obvious evil. Sometimes he lures us with opportunity, recognition, or a shortcut to influence. But any invitation that requires our loyalty to shift away from God, even slightly, is an invitation to idolatry.

Jesus stood in that moment as our example, not striving or negotiating, but resting in His identity and trusting the Father’s plan. He didn’t seek glory apart from God. He waited for the glory that only the Father gives. That kind of waiting is worship. That kind of trust is strength.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

My beloved, the glory of this world fades, but the glory I give lasts forever. When the enemy places dazzling things in front of your eyes, remember who you are and what you already have in Christ. You are not a beggar waiting for honor. You are seated with Me in the heavenly places. You do not need to grasp for what I have already freely given.

Glory offered outside of My will is a counterfeit. It may shine, but it will never satisfy. You were made to reflect My glory, not chase after the world’s version of it. You do not need to perform to be loved. You do not need to climb to be seen. I have placed My Spirit within you, and the radiance of Christ is already shining through your trust in Me.

Stand firm when the enemy offers quick glory or promises that require divided worship. Say no to what flatters the flesh and yes to the rest I have secured for you. You are already loved. You are already known. And you are already filled with the life of Christ. Worship Me by trusting Me. Let every decision reflect that I am enough.

Scripture References: Matthew 4:8–10, Luke 4:6, John 12:31, Ephesians 2:6, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:11–14, Colossians 3:1–4, Psalm 115:1, Matthew 6:33

Real-Life Analogy

Imagine being at a crowded airport terminal. You’re holding a fully paid first-class ticket to your destination, already assigned a secure seat with every amenity included. A stranger approaches and offers you a “better” flight with extra perks. All you have to do is leave your gate, sign some waivers, and trust him instead. The offer seems tempting, but deep down, you know the risk isn’t worth it. Your original seat is already yours, already guaranteed.

In the same way, Satan’s offers appeal to what we can see, but they require us to walk away from the security we already have in Christ. Today, if you are tempted to reach for recognition, control, or quick success, pause and say, “Lord, You have already secured everything I need. I trust You to express Your life in and through me right now as I rest in what You have given.” In that moment of trust, you are worshiping with your life.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, thank You that I do not have to strive for glory or chase after approval. The world may offer shortcuts and sparkle, but You have given me the eternal inheritance of Christ Himself. In Him, I am already secure, already known, already victorious. I rest in Your goodness today. I trust You to guide my decisions, and I yield every ambition to the wisdom of Your Spirit. I will worship You with my trust, and I will serve You with the life You have placed within me. You alone are worthy.