The Glory Be Thine Forever

by Jennifer Willis
(Provident Living Today)

There seems to be a part of us that likes praise and recognition from men. I can see it in myself, and I can see it in others. I don’t think it is healthy to maintain this ambition.

There is a pattern in heaven. True messengers of God point people to Christ not themselves. Christ passes the glory on to Heavenly Father.

Moses 4:2 But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me— Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.

There are many examples where Christ allows others to adore and worship him, but when it comes in the form of flattery, even he rejects it.

Matthew 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

There is a tendency to worship the messenger. True angels, prophets, and messengers will forbid worship of themselves. Even John the Revelator needed to be taught this lesson.

Revelation 19:10 And I (John) fell at his feet to worship him. And he (the angel) said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

The messenger showed John great and marvelous things, and again John tried to worship the messenger.

Revelation 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

The angel knew his place and refused to be worshipped.

Nephi, a prophet of God, shows this same example. Although he suffered much at the hand of his brothers, he didn’t want glory for it. He turned his brothers to the Lord, the true source of power.

1 Nephi 7:20 And it came to pass that they were sorrowful, because of their wickedness, insomuch that they did bow down before me, and did plead with me that I would forgive them of the thing that they had done against me.

21 And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them all that they had done, and I did exhort them that they would pray unto the Lord their God for forgiveness. And it came to pass that they did so. And after they had done praying unto the Lord we did again travel on our journey towards the tent of our father.

1 Nephi 17:55 And now, they said: We know of a surety that the Lord is with thee, for we know that it is the power of the Lord that has shaken us. And they fell down before me, and were about to worship me, but I would not suffer them, saying: I am thy brother, yea, even thy younger brother; wherefore, worship the Lord thy God, and honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God shall give thee.

There are a lot of people doing good and seeking to build God’s kingdom, but I think we can improve in delivering the message. I put myself in bold letters because too many times I still act like a praise seeker. Even though it makes me sick to my stomach every time I do it, I have not yet overcome this weakness. Maybe declaring my feelings will help me be more careful.

I like to hear what others have to say about God. It gives me food for thought. When I exercise, I watch something on TV because it keeps my mind off my tired body. I found a Christian show that has a lot to offer. I like how Joyce Meyer teaches practical ways to follow Jesus in our everyday living, but I feel uncomfortable when she draws too much attention to herself.

Here's another example. There is a phrase that comes from my own tradition that has been bothering me, “Follow the Prophet”. This phrase is part of a children’s song that my children sing into their subconscious. I think it could be phrased better, “Listen to true prophets, and they will point you to Christ.”

When unnecessary praise and attention is given to true messengers, they don't accept it. Angels and Prophets don’t want us to kneel down to them or stand up for them. They see themselves as fellow servants. They will say something like, “See thou do it not.” Prophets sent from God take the spotlight off them and give it to Christ.

2 Nephi 25:26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.