SOMETIMES STOLEN, SOMETIMES COUNTERFEITED
Beware Of Pirates
We often hear about unsavory people who advance themselves by selling products that they either stole, or poor quality look-alike products, which they promote as the original high quality, "real deal," which is another form of theft. This is also true for identity thieves,who try to benefit themselves at another person's expense. We all see the problem with this, especially if we are the ones being robbed. If the item is authentic, then it will perform as it should, but the thief is still a thief.
Piracy In The High Heavens
I see the same thing in the moral, social, spiritual realm. The truths of God are hijacked and re-packaged in the name of the pretender. The truths are still true, but they are credited to the wrong author. In journalism this is called "plagiarism."
There are various problems with this. Thieves cannot guarantee, support or properly serve the pirated item. Another problem is that the legitimate creator of the product is robbed of recognition and benefits which are his by right.
Satan robs God (through people and organizations), by taking credit for His truth, His power, His glory. It is possible for us to rob God by giving His glory to another person or organization. We should be honest and accurate when we credit someone. There is no problem with recognizing the good work of other people, but we should not honor a thief.
Remember, in fact, NEVER FORGET, all truth and every good and perfect gift comes from God. When we credit others, especially those who deny the true and living God, with that which came from God, we are robbing Good and serving Satan.
Consider This
This is why it is good to make the phrase, "Praise the Lord" a normal part of your conversation.
For instance, when someone compliments me concerning my preaching or teaching (my grand buddies are the best in the world), I try to respond with, "Praise the Lord" (recognizing that anything good came from Him), and "Thank you" (recognizing the kindness of the person who took the time to encourage me). Giving praise to God should never be a thoughtless habit, or canned response. It should always be heart-felt, but it should not be hidden away in our hearts.
Another way, in which I try to honor God, is by recognizing Him, rather than those who are seeking to steal God's glory. In other words, most, if not all religions, people, organizations, have something good to say. But rather than credit the pretender or the impersonator, or anyone else, I credit God.
I do this to give God the honor and glory and thanks for all His wisdom, kindness, beneficence. When I give Him the honor, it lifts Him up and it can draw people to Him, rather than away from Him. He, and He alone deserves our praise and thanksgiving.
James 1:17
(17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Psalms 86:12
(12) I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore.
Matthew 5:16
(16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
1 Corinthians 6:20
(20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
