A Word from the Vine No. 535: What is Glory, Really?

Hello, friends. You’re listening to A Word from the Vine, and I’m Pastor Loren Christensen, coming to you from the Danish Countryside Chapel here in Exira, Iowa.

Today, I want to talk about a word we hear a lot in church—but maybe don’t always understand: glory.

Now, when you hear that word—glory—what comes to mind?

Spotlights? Applause? Maybe a big church with a jumbotron and a fog machine?

We’ve been trained to think that glory means being seen. That it’s about success, recognition, or influence. But in John 17, Jesus gives us a very different picture.

Let me read just a few verses from His prayer—this is John 17:22–24:

“The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one… Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory…”

Now, here’s the question: What kind of glory is Jesus talking about?

It’s not the kind that fills stadiums. It’s not about being admired. It’s not even about being successful by the world’s standards.

The glory Jesus speaks of is cross-shaped.

It’s the glory of serving, not shining.

Of washing feet, not winning arguments.

Of laying down your life, not building your platform.

Let me tell you about a man in our community—he’s a farmer, been working the same land for over 40 years. You won’t find his name in the paper. He doesn’t post devotionals on social media. But every week, he checks in on his elderly neighbor. He fixes her fence. He brings her groceries. He prays for her by name.

That’s glory.

Not because it’s flashy. But because it looks like Jesus.

Friends, if we chase a version of Christianity that’s all about our glory—our comfort, our image, our success—we’ve missed the heart of the Gospel.

Jesus didn’t come to make us impressive. He came to make us His.

So today, wherever you are—whether you’re in a pew or on a tractor, in a sanctuary or a nursing home—remember this:

The glory of God isn’t about being seen. It’s about being faithful.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing us what true glory looks like. Not in power, but in humility. Not in fame, but in faithfulness. Help us to live cross-shaped lives, even when no one’s watching. And may Your glory shine through us, in the quiet places. Amen.

Thanks for joining me today on A Word from the Vine. Until next time, stay rooted in Christ, and keep bearing fruit—right where you’re planted.