Stumbled upon this verse (John 5:44) today, and it spoke volumes to me.
These are the words of Jesus spoken to the Pharisees, who were seeking glory from EACH other instead of the glory that comes from the hand of God. True glory brings unity to the body, and not division or exclusivity (John 17:22).
At the core of it, belief is everything. Belief powers love, and that love itself powers true freedom for OTHERS. Yet many in positions of leadership and/or influence are unable to fully believe because they are competing for followings, book sales, accolades, titles, and popularity instead of chasing down the heart of man to the glory of God.
We need to stop competing, quit dividing, and start unifying. For THAT is the exact function of the 5 fold ministry (Eph 4:11-16).
John 5:44 "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?"