Our God does not bestow His glory upon anyone else (Isaiah 42:8), and the pertinent question we must consider is whether we are vigilant enough to ensure that we do not ascribe glory to any other being except to God. Does the concept illustrate the possessive nature of God? When God refers to Himself as a Jealous God (Deuteronomy 20:5), what implications does this carry? In contemporary English, jealousy is often characterized as a complex and troubling emotion, encompassing fear, insecurity, and anger, frequently manifesting as resentment towards the success or possessions of others. Does this definition accurately reflect the character of God?
Certainly not; nevertheless, the question arises as to why God designates Himself as a jealous being. In reality, no entity can be deemed equal to God, and when we elevate something unworthy to a level of parity with Him in our understanding, God does not experience insecurity but instead may be discontent due to the expectation that mankind should not engage in such actions, particularly given their experiences of His presence and the abundance of His saving grace. Thus, God’s jealousy does not stem from an insecure disposition but rather from a deep sense of us losing His grace without just cause, despite His continual demonstration of agape love towards us.
How Inadvertently We Give Glory to Another
Humans are a social creature, and with this characteristic, they seek to align their lives with those of others in the world; in doing so, they often fail to manifest the grace of God that sustains them through every trial and challenge. Despite benefiting from God’s grace during their hardships, they frequently convey to others that they are enduring struggles comparable to those who do not know God. Every believer laments their afflictions, and while some start to believe that their suffering is a result of following Jesus, they lack tangible evidence to support this assertion. In a rational examination, one must also question why those who do not adhere to the beliefs of God experience suffering as well.
As a believer experiences God’s grace during tough times, they may not fully understand the pain of those who don’t know God and lack His grace. However, this grace is available to everyone. Even though they can accept it, they often don’t realize its importance and reject it. Comparing our situation to those who don’t receive God’s grace, without truly understanding their condition, is illogical. Consequently, we unintentionally give His glory to someone else.
Does Our Preaching Glorify God?
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction. – 2 Timothy 4:2 (NIV)
Believers are encouraged to proclaim the love of God at all times, a notion rooted in Jesus’ instruction to disseminate the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Mark 16:15). However, a common observation among listeners is that many preachers fail to practice what they preach. While this may be perceived as hypocrisy on the part of the preacher, the reality is more nuanced. When an unworthy individual is utilized by God, it is God who speaks through that person. Frequently, the message delivered by God does not align with the character of the preacher, leading audiences to conclude that preachers do not embody their teachings. Consequently, it is imperative that every preacher serves as a testament to the messages they deliver, undergoing personal transformation with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. Thus, God calls upon us to lead lives that reflect His image, that others may be drawn to Him and worship Him.
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Furthermore, every preacher beseeches God to manifest miracles and signs through their ministries, and based on the occurrence of these miracles, they strive to instill confidence in their listeners regarding faith in God. However, it is noteworthy that God does not require us to rely on past miracles and wonders to proclaim the Gospel; rather, He desires to transform us into His signs and wonders as we become new creations.
Bind up this testimony of warning and seal up God’s instruction among my disciples. Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion.- Isaiah 8:18-19 (NIV)
Some believers continue to base their faith in the resurrection of Jesus on the empty tomb. They depend on the miraculous event performed by God, often neglecting to recognise the presence of the living Jesus in their lives. They remain unaware that they themselves are the temple of God, which is why Paul, in a tone of irony, asks the believers, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God?” It is imperative that we do not rely solely on historical evidence or past miracles to strengthen our faith; rather, we should depend on the guidance of the Holy Spirit’s teachings.
Who Will Go For Us?
In the Old Testament, God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit are portrayed as being present during the creation of the world. Consequently, God refers to Himself in the plural form as a means of elucidating His nature. Specifically, God employs the term “us,” yet abstains from referring to Himself as gods, as He is the singular, eternal God, who was, is, and will be forever. Following Isaiah’s encounter with the glorious presence, God enlightened him to comprehend that the love and grace of this true and only God should be made known to all individuals, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion.
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? ” – Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
God calls upon each individual to serve as His testament, utilizing the abilities bestowed upon us and in the locations where we find ourselves (Acts 17:26). In earlier times, God dispersed His people, who were gathered as a community in one place, through persecution to every corner of the world (Acts 8:1). Today, however, God dispatches us to various locations by providing employment opportunities in distant places among individuals who remain unaware of Him and His forgiveness. In this context, God encourages us to illuminate the world as a lamp on a lampstand.
Regrettably, individuals often decline the job offer presented by God, requesting instead to return to their own communities, where they can share the Word with those who are already adhering to it to some degree. In contrast, for regions where the name of God remains unknown, specific individuals are selected and dispatched as missionaries to disseminate the Gospel to the unreached. Ironically, some relinquish their God-given roles in favor of the mission to spread the Gospel, despite the fact that God has already placed them in positions to do so. It is disheartening that believers usurp the role of God by sending others on their behalf, failing to comprehend the significance of God’s question, “Who will go for us?” How easily we take His place by appointing and sending individuals to proclaim the Gospel, thereby evading our own responsibilities. Is this not a manifestation of assuming the role of God, the One who commissions us, rather than obeying Him and remaining steadfast in the positions He has assigned us to spread His love?
The Staggering Movements
While the intricacies of God’s will may elude our understanding, we often endeavor to fulfill our own desires, which propels us in a direction contrary to the path that God wishes to guide us. This tension hinders our spiritual development, compelling believers to confront the stringent doctrines of their religious forebears, consequently neglecting the clear and unambiguous instructions of God. By embracing His will and fully surrendering to Him, we can facilitate our spiritual maturity, allowing God to accomplish His purpose of making us as His emissaries. In such a scenario, our lives will become more harmonious, and we shall not experience stagnation in our spiritual growth. When we stop giving glory to others, the light of God will shine through us and people by seeing the light glorify our Father in Heaven.
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
The Jordan Valley 
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