Whose Glory?

by Ralph I. Tilley 

Showmanship or discipleship—
   which one will it be?
Parading our flesh of success,
   or walking humbly? 

The lofty looks, the boastful claims
   punctuate our days;
Little souls are rewarded by
   man's flattering praise. 

The need to be seen, to be first,
   controls every plan;
Impressions are all-important,
   applause fuels the man. 

To draw attention to ourselves,
   Bragging of our deeds—
To angle for the praise of men
   is wood, straw and weeds. 

Lights, we are, to shine before men—
   our good works to see;
Not that we should be glorified,
   but His Majesty. 

Let’s be disciples of the Lord,
   gazing on the Lamb;
Humbly walking in His footprints,
   rejecting the sham.