I am
the Lord: that is
my name:
and my glory will I not give to
another,
neither my praise to graven images.
(Isaiah 42:8)
Isaiah told the Israelites of his day that God had said that
those practicing idolatry would not feel the praise and glory enjoyed as
blessings given to those who worship Jehovah.
This teaches an important principle for our day of
pluralism. While we allow others
to practice their religion as they see fit, not all religions are equally
profitable.
Religions and denominations that claim to have the truth and
yet are not the true church will not have the blessings the true church has. The blessing God gives is mentioned in
this verse – “glory” and “praise.”
This isn’t external glory of architecture or something that can be
bought or built, but a sense of life and salvation and light that is felt by
individuals. The praise is not
spoken by man, but given by God alone as a feeling that God has approved of the
work.
Elsewhere we are given the reason for this:
For mine own sake,
even
for mine own sake, will I do it:
for how should my name be polluted?
and I will not give my glory unto
another.
(Isaiah 48:11)
The Lord knows there are counterfeits out there (and there
are many) and He refuses to give the glory (or sanction of His Spirit) to them
as He gives to the true church. He
does this to prevent His name from being polluted, or to keep His reputation
from being tarnished.
The practical application of this principle for one seeking
the truth is to seek for a church and while participating, seek for that glory
and praise from God while among them.
If it is not found, go elsewhere and keep searching.
I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints is the church where that glory and praise from God can be felt. Come and see! Best thing everrrrrr!
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