Pursuing Glory

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One of the things that VCA strives to give our students is a rich, deep, and meaningful view on life and the wider world; one might say a glorious vision or view of the world. In our educational philosophy, of course we want high academic standards and an emphasis on Christian discipleship, but one of the other ingredients in the mix is instructing, portraying, and demonstrating an intentional pursuit of glory. 

The notion of ‘pursuing glory’ sounds almost un-Christian, something that should not be encouraged or taught. Shouldn’t all glory belong to God? Shouldn’t we be like the Psalmist who says, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name belongs the glory” (Psalm 115:1)? Yes of course this is the case; but it is also the case that there is a category of glory that men pursue that is not in competition with God’s glory. Notice these verses:

6 “He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury.” - Romans 2:6-8

42 “Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” - John 12:42-43

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…For this reason make every effort to supplement your faith with excellence.” - 2 Peter 1:3 & 5

From these verses we see that there is some aspect of glory that men can pursue that is not sinful or wrong, but is in fact expected and encouraged; it might be said that it would be sinful not to pursue the right kind of glory. 

What is glory? Glory is such a large concept, it's difficult to give it just one definition. Here are some other words that might help fill out the concept of glory: beauty, honor, brightness, excellence, weightiness, joy, reverence. When we talk about the ‘glory of God’ we are speaking of the beauty and excellence of God, the honor of God, the brightness of God, the weightiness of God, etc. The glory of God is the high renown and honor of who He is in Himself and what He has done. Is this the type of glory that we want VCA students to pursue? Absolutely, though not in competition with God, but under His authority. We want to produce students of high reputation, character, and honor, students who’ve had their character forged and refined through their education. We want our students to leave VCA to go out and accomplish things in the world on God’s behalf. 

The thing about pursuing glory is that it is inescapable; every person pursues some vision of glory. If you think living for pleasure is the best and highest thing in life, like the playboy, you find it to be glorious. If you find that retreat from the pleasures of the world is the best and highest thing in life, like the hermit and monk, you find that vision of life to be glorious. Students, in public or private education, are all receiving messages daily that are influencing their conception of what ‘glory’ and  ‘the good life’ is and they are being encouraged to pursue that conception of the good life or glory. Since it is going to happen regardless, at VCA we are intentionally seeking to shape a biblical view of the good life and the pursuit of proper and right glory.