Bro. John,
I learned this, this morning, if I didn’t misunderstand it.
I was standing in the kitchen, and I heard “Why does God care if He is slandered?” Then I looked up and immediately saw this verse on the fridge, on the calander (Ps. 23:3): “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Then I continued to listen.
“Who is God? What is His name? He is goodness. It is His goodness toward men that He doesn’t want slandered, not His power to rule, or authority over men. He isn’t proud. He doesn’t seek honor the way men seek honor from other humans. God poured all His authority out into His Son in the very beginning. He gave away what men covet most from the start. It is His goodness that He doesn’t want slandered, so that we may believe on His good name and receive. Satan doesn’t care if he himself is lied about, because he is not good. He just wants honor, any way that he can get it.”
Jerry
============
It certainly was the case, Jerry, that God’s goodness was Satan’s target in the garden of Eden. I think you have something here. Thanks.
jdc