G31.07.90.htm

WHAT IS EXCESSIVE DELIGHT FOR GLORY AMONG MEN,
OTHER THAN A DESIRE FOR DOMINATION OVER THEM?

ON GLORY.

Augustine wrote: 'There is, to be sure, a slippery slope from the excessive delight in the praise of men to the burning passion for domination; and yet those who long for true glory, though it be the glory of merely human praise, are anxious for the good opinion of enlightened judges.' (From: 'City Of God' by Augustine) (Bk. V. Ch.19).

True glory does not come through mere praise from humans. For through an excessive delight in praise from others, one will slip into a burning passion for domination over them. However, those who value the praise that comes from God, also value the good opinion of enlightened righteous men of God. (See Rom 2:29).

DOMINATION OVER OTHERS BY MEANS OF BAREFACED CRIMES.
'But if anyone aims at power and domination without that kind of desire for glory which makes a man fear the disapprobation of sound judges, then he generally seeks to accomplish his heart's desire by the most barefaced crimes. Thus the man who covets glory... 'struggles by trickery and deceit', desiring to seem a good man without being so. Therefore it is a great virtue in a virtuous man to despise glory, because this contempt is seen by God, but is not revealed to the judgement of men.' Augustine also wrote: 'God makes a hypocrite to reign because of the perversity of the people.' ('City Of God.' Bk. V. Ch.19).

Apostates that covet glory are now reigning (dominating) in what were once Christ's congregations. After "trampling" upon faithful Spirit anointed sons of God, apostates removed them from their congregations; thereby removing the "constant feature" Holy Spirit. (Dan 11:31. 12:11. Rev 11:2). It was 'because of the perversity of the people' that they were able to do this. Their rebellious spirit aspect and hypocrisy before God is described in the "Little Scroll". (2 Thess 2:3-12. Rev 10:8-11).

Poisonous apostate desire is a weapon used by satan against sons of God. Passion for glory and praise among apostates is used in an attempt to establish dominance over anointed sons of God. But with reference to these apostates The Christ Michael said: "Look! I will give those from the synagogue of satan who say they are Jews, and yet they are not but are lying look! I will make them come and do obeisance before your feet and make them know I have loved you." (Rev 3:9). For it is written: "But he is a Jew who is one on the inside, and his circumcision is that of the heart by Spirit, and not by a written code. The praise of that one comes, not from men, but from God." (Rom 2:29).

AUGUSTINE DESCRIBES THOSE WITH VIRTUES FROM THE SPIRIT OF GOD.
'...and yet, if he is a truly good man, he does not regard the salvation of his fellow-men as of no importance. For so great is the righteousness of one who has his virtues from the Spirit of God, that he loves even his enemies; and such is his love even for those who hate and disparage him, that he wishes them to be reformed so that he may have them as fellow-citizens, not of the earthly city, but of the heavenly.' ('City Of God.') (Bk. V. Ch.19).

31/7/90.