The Unseen Currency: Choosing Glory for the Happiness of Others

When we study the covenants and the divine pattern of the Restoration, we are constantly presented with models of perfect submission. We are taught to bend our will to the Father's, and we are taught to honor the sacrifices of our prophets and the dedication of our parents. These are righteous principles, and they are vital to our discipleship. Yet, the deepest lesson—the one that truly sets us up for eternal joy—is found in the subtle, yet profound, relinquishing of personal glory.

Consider the dialogue recorded in Moses 4:1–2. Satan approached the Father, promising to redeem all mankind, but his underlying motive was the acquisition of glory. Christ’s response was the perfect counter-narrative: “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.”

Many of us, even among the most devoted Latter-day Saints, struggle with the inherent human tendency to seek recognition for our contributions. We naturally desire credit for the sacrifices we make to help build Zion, or for the times we feel the Spirit guiding us to a necessary truth. It is not wicked to honor the Prophet, nor is it wrong to acknowledge the sacrifices of those who draw us closer to the temple covenants. That is the natural flow of discipleship.

Beyond Acknowledgment: The Christlike Standard

But Christ’s final words were more than just a beautiful affirmation; they were a divine masterclass. He could have stopped at, “Thy will be done.” He was fully aware that His sacrifice would be honored. He was aware that the Church, in its ongoing effort to gather Israel, would laud His role. Yet, He continued, “and the glory be Thine forever.”

This was not a humble brag. It was not lip service designed to secure accolades. In the deepest recesses of His heart, Christ was communicating something far more radical: *I would make this sacrifice, even if no one ever knew about it. I would do it simply because it brings my brothers and sisters happiness and helps them return to our Heavenly Father.*

This principle—choosing action for the sake of others' eternal happiness rather than for the sake of personal recognition—is the ultimate benchmark for our discipleship. It is the antithesis of the natural man’s desire for self-glorification.

If you find yourself wrestling with the creeping feelings of vanity, or if you find yourself enjoying the praise of others a little too much, know that you are not alone. The battle against the desire for glory is constant. The path forward, as the Spirit teaches, is not to bury the weakness, but to face it—day after day, day after day.

Practical Disciplines for the Iron Rod

The goal, as we strive to refine our understanding of the Spirit, is to reach a state where our actions are not motivated by the *expectation* of reward, but by the *certainty* of love. To achieve this, we must actively school our desires. Here are principles to guide our efforts:

1. Replace Pride with Gratitude: When the voice of self-importance rises, immediately pivot your focus. Instead of dwelling on what you accomplished, anchor yourself in gratitude for the blessings you *receive*—the gifts of covenants, the companionship of fellow disciples, the chance to learn from the struggles around you.
2. Pray for Clarity of Sight: Pray not just for the feeling of gratitude, but for the *ability to see* reality as the Father sees it. This clarity strips away the illusion that you are carrying the weight alone.
3. Embrace Charity as the Ultimate Currency: When the desire for glory flares, consciously replace that thought with a deep, genuine desire for the well-being of another. Love for others is the only thing that can fill the cup that has no bottom.

The work of the Restoration, the calling to build Zion, requires this profound, selfless focus. It requires us to operate with the heart that understands that the ultimate glory belongs to the Father, and our greatest joy comes from helping our brethren find that same source of light. This understanding, sustained by diligent scripture study and reliance upon the Spirit, is the true mark of a dedicated disciple.

I invite you to listen to the full podcast episode for a deeper dive into the covenant implications of Christ’s perfect example. As you study this week, consider: Where in your service, in your calling, or in your personal study are you currently seeking the *acknowledgment* of others, rather than simply following the will of the Father?