Is God's Glory Safe??

James Cook, English explorer and discoverer of the Hawaiian Islands, was immediately identified and worshiped as God. Somewhat an understandable mistake on the part of the islanders given the unique appearance of Cook and his party, the accoutrement they possessed and the force they displayed with their guns and other weaponry.

Less understandable though was Cook’s acquiescence to the islanders’ mistake. Cook apparently relished the treatment he received and did nothing to dissuade the islanders’ worship. Cook liked being God!!

The time came for Cook to move on with his party. Lavish farewells occurred and all the wealth of the island that could be placed in the ship’s hold sailed away with Cook and his party. Shortly, though, a fierce storm came up. Waves nearly took the ship under and men and cargo were about to be lost. Cook turned the ship around and returned to the island; a wise action, at least, as to the avoidance of the storm.

Upon giving the islanders the explanation of the storm as his reason for returning, he was surprised as to their next action. Rather than the God-like treatment he had previously enjoyed, the natives determined him to be a deceiver, a perpetrator of a lie to further his own good. They reasoned if he was truly God, he would have easily overcome the storm. Cook met his death at the hands of angry islanders – a victim of his own prideful deceit.

Taking credit from God is a bad idea. The scripture is replete with examples. Adam and Eve “bit into” the deception of the serpent because they desired to be like God. Moses was denied entrance to the Promised Land because of his taking credit for God’s provision of water from the rock. Ananias and Sapphira stole glory belonging to God.

Today, men continue to relish glory. In my life, I must be so careful. I know that pride is lurking just below the surface of my life – and at times it breaks through with it characteristic odor of displeasure to our Holy Lord. A challenge for me – and my challenge to you – is to see God’s work in every aspect of life. Once this is seen, then we must be certain that we are men with whom God’s glory is safe.