You read the news. You identified several relevant ones to share with your people. You are not one who just forward something. You spend hours on end researching, analysing, and write a summary of the news, its impact, and how we should respond. NO ONE READS. You feel dejected.
Spotlight. Applause. Recognition. Praise. We crave them. We want to be seen, admired, celebrated.
And yet, Scripture warns us plainly: “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another” (Isaiah 42:8).
God’s glory is not a prize for human achievement. It is not meant to be pocketed, repackaged, or redirected to ourselves. When Herod accepted worship as if he were a god (Acts 12:21–23), the result was immediate and tragic. Glory belongs to God alone.
This does not mean we cannot receive encouragement or affirmation. But there is a line between being grateful for kind words and secretly – or openly craving the worship that belongs to God. We must remember we are reflectors, not sources. Like the moon reflecting the sun’s light, we shine only because he shines on us.
I have heard a “pastor” sharing how she “healed” someone. She is not a doctor. I also have heard someone ask “did I answer your prayer?” A slip of tongue is one thing. Blatantly taking God’s glory is another.
Why does this matter? Because stolen glory corrupts. It fuels pride, blinds us to sin, and leads us to rely on ourselves instead of the Lord. But when we give glory back to God, we find freedom, humility, and joy.
So, the next time the spotlight falls on you – pause. Smile. Say thank you. And point it back to the One who deserves it all.
All glory to Jesus!
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