Verse 19 contains a subtle hint that while serving, we would do well to avoid accepting praise, adulation, and thanks, for all good things come from God, and we should give thanks to him. For example, we do not know the name of a single one of those two thousand young men in the army of Helaman (Alma 56); it was not important for them to receive recognition for the valiant service they rendered their people (such as getting all their names engraved into the Nephite record). The joy of serving was its own reward.
President Gordon B. Hinckley certainly deserved praise for his magnificent record of service, yet he continually counseled all of us to avoid adulation—it is poison. 4
Elder William R. Bradford of the Seventy once spoke with the bishop of a ward whose youth had worked to earn money for an activity. The bishop asked Elder Bradford if he would help the youth get some recognition for what they had done. To the bishop’s surprise, Elder Bradford said he would not. He said that he was glad that the young people had worked hard, but it was not important that they receive public recognition for that work. When the youth decided to donate their money to the Church’s general missionary fund instead of using it for the activity, they wanted to have their picture taken with Elder Bradford as they made the donation, and they wanted to have the picture and an article put into the newspaper. Again Elder Bradford surprised them by saying no. He told the bishop: “You might consider helping your young people learn a higher law of recognition. Recognition from on high is silent. It is carefully and quietly recorded there. Let them feel the joy and gain the treasure in their heart and soul that come from silent, selfless service.” 5
It is a rare thing in world history to hear of a humble earthly king who acknowledges and properly gives credit and thanks to our heavenly King.
“O How You Ought to Thank Your Heavenly King!”
Verse 19 contains a subtle hint that while serving, we would do well to avoid accepting praise, adulation, and thanks, for all good things come from God, and we should give thanks to him. For example, we do not know the name of a single one of those two thousand young men in the army of Helaman (Alma 56); it was not important for them to receive recognition for the valiant service they rendered their people (such as getting all their names engraved into the Nephite record). The joy of serving was its own reward.
President Gordon B. Hinckley certainly deserved praise for his magnificent record of service, yet he continually counseled all of us to avoid adulation—it is poison. 4
Elder William R. Bradford of the Seventy once spoke with the bishop of a ward whose youth had worked to earn money for an activity. The bishop asked Elder Bradford if he would help the youth get some recognition for what they had done. To the bishop’s surprise, Elder Bradford said he would not. He said that he was glad that the young people had worked hard, but it was not important that they receive public recognition for that work. When the youth decided to donate their money to the Church’s general missionary fund instead of using it for the activity, they wanted to have their picture taken with Elder Bradford as they made the donation, and they wanted to have the picture and an article put into the newspaper. Again Elder Bradford surprised them by saying no. He told the bishop: “You might consider helping your young people learn a higher law of recognition. Recognition from on high is silent. It is carefully and quietly recorded there. Let them feel the joy and gain the treasure in their heart and soul that come from silent, selfless service.” 5
It is a rare thing in world history to hear of a humble earthly king who acknowledges and properly gives credit and thanks to our heavenly King.