The Quiet Strength: Giving the Glory Where It Belongs

Brothers and sisters, as we continue in our journey of discipleship, we keep bumping up against the same universal challenge, don't we? The temptation to seek credit. It’s natural. We all like to feel seen for the good we do, for the sacrifices we make, or the gospel principles we manage to keep alive in our busy lives. We want our efforts to count, and we want the Lord to know how much we've been striving.

It’s a feeling I know all too well. I’ve wrestled with the desire for acknowledgment more times than I can count. It’s a whisper that says, *“Look how much you’ve done.”*

But when I revisit the teachings from the podcast episode on Genesis and Moses, I keep coming back to that profound moment in the celestial court—the exchange between the Father and the Son. The contrast is staggering: Satan offering to redeem all mankind in exchange for glory, and the Savior responding, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.”

We tend to focus on the *“Thy will be done”* part—the ultimate act of obedience. And that is vital. But the emphasis on, *“and the glory be thine,”* is where the real, quiet lesson for us today lies. It’s not just about obeying; it’s about *why* we obey.

The Mystery of Glory

We are taught that honoring our leaders, our parents, and even the Savior for their sacrifices to help us draw closer to our Heavenly Father is a righteous principle. And it is! We should celebrate the gifts of revelation and the steadfastness of those who teach us. But Christ’s example goes beyond mere acknowledgment. He could have stopped at, “Thy will be done.” He could have left it there, and still been perfectly righteous. But he didn't. He added the dedication of the glory.

What Christ was modeling, what He was teaching us in the deepest recesses of His heart, was this: *“I would do this, even if no one ever knew it. I would do it simply because it makes my brothers and sisters happy.”*

This isn't some lofty, unattainable ideal reserved only for temple presidents or prophets. This is a daily practice for every disciple, every single day. It means shifting our internal reward system. Instead of operating on the currency of 'recognition,' we operate on the currency of 'love for our neighbor' and 'obedience to the Father.' It’s about finding joy in the act of service itself, not the applause afterward.

Practical Steps for the Disciple

If you feel that creeping whisper of vanity—that desire to make your sacrifices known—don't panic. You are not alone. The good news is that this isn't a permanent condition; it’s a muscle we can train. The principle is to practice day after day, until the desire for glory no longer automatically jumps in the way of true service.

Here are a few things I’ve found helpful, things that have helped me and others I’ve counseled through the fog of pride:

1. Reframe Your Prayer: Instead of praying *for* gratitude, try to *be* grateful within your prayer. When the thought, “I’m so amazing,” pops up, immediately counter it with, “I am so blessed that Heavenly Father is taking me along for this ride. I am fortunate to learn from these people.”
2. Focus on Charity: When you feel the pull toward self-praise, immediately pivot to thinking about what you can do for someone else, or what you love about someone else. Filling your cup with love for others pushes the need for personal validation aside completely.
3. Seek Clarity: Pray specifically to see things as they truly are. This spiritual sight helps you see the Lord holding you up, rather than believing you are doing it all on your own strength.

This journey of continually fighting sin and weakness is the very definition of discipleship. It's messy, it’s hard, but it leads to a joy that no amount of earthly praise can replicate. It leads to the quiet, deep peace that comes from knowing you served Him, simply because He asked, and nothing more.

If you're feeling the pull of the Spirit to deepen your understanding of these principles, I highly recommend listening to the full podcast episode. It really unpacks the weight and beauty of this concept.

For those of us feeling the call to deepen our study, remember that the power of the Church is in our gathering together. If you are looking for a place to discuss scripture and wrestle with these big questions, check out the Book Clubs or Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful place to learn alongside other sincere disciples.

And if you want to dive deeper into the mechanics of these concepts, I always recommend checking out the latest teachings from Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. It’s a treasure trove for any aspiring internet missionary.