In JBK Chapter 10:7, we receive a profound message from God about the nature of true admiration and where our devotion should lie. This verse speaks directly to one of the deepest challenges humans face: our tendency to elevate and admire other people, often at the expense of our relationship with God. It calls us to shift our admiration from human achievements and worldly fame to the greatness and glory of God, the Creator of all.
The Verse:
“Thus saith the LORD thy God, Come unto me as a child, and like an admirer in an accomplished man so boast of me. Begrudge me not, for my great glory is greater than man’s and my ways worth shouting across the Universe. If thou wilt admire a great man and be filled with privilege in the company of famous people, how much more should not all mankind seek the LORD who is beyond all things and created all things?”
— JBK Chapter 10:7
The Zeal We Owe to God
This verse emphasizes that while we often admire the accomplishments and fame of other humans, our greatest admiration and zeal should be directed toward God, whose glory is far beyond that of any man. The Bible repeatedly encourages us to have zeal for God. In Isaiah 9:7, we read of the “zeal of the Lord of hosts” that will accomplish His purposes. Similarly, in Romans 12:11, believers are encouraged to “never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
God desires a passionate, childlike admiration from us. In JBK 10:7, He compares the natural human inclination to admire accomplished men with how much more we should admire and boast of Him. Jesus Himself taught that we should come to God as children—innocent, humble, and eager to learn (Matthew 18:3).
But too often, we fall into the trap of glorifying human figures.
The Idol of Human Admiration
Human admiration is not inherently wrong. We are naturally drawn to greatness and success. But the problem arises when we allow our admiration for people—be they celebrities, politicians, athletes, or even religious leaders—to eclipse our love for God. In today’s world, we often worship modern-day idols in the form of human beings, exalting them far beyond what they deserve.
This issue is not new. Throughout history, humans have tended to worship idols, whether literal or figurative. Isaiah 2:22 warns, “Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?” This message resonates with JBK 10:7, where God calls us to recognize the folly of exalting man over the Creator. When we look up to people as idols, we miss the opportunity to worship the One who created them in the first place.
Isaiah’s Warning to Modern-Day Prophets
In Isaiah 29:13, the prophet issues a stern warning that many religious people—especially those in authority—often lead others astray by focusing more on human rules and traditions than on true worship of God. “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” This has striking relevance to the Latter-day Saints community over the last century. Many in the LDS Church hold modern-day prophets in such high esteem that it borders on worship. While prophets serve an important role as guides, the true focus must always be on God.
Even Isaiah speaks directly to this issue, warning of the danger of putting too much emphasis on human leaders. Isaiah 3:12 rebukes those who allow themselves to be led by those in power without seeking the will of the Lord for themselves. The admiration of men—even prophets—should never take precedence over our devotion to God. It is God’s will, not man’s, that we should seek above all else.
What Does God Truly Want From Us?
God wants our zeal and admiration, not just for His work through human figures, but for Him directly. Zeal is a burning passion, a fervent desire to serve and honor God. John 2:17 tells us that the disciples remembered of Jesus: “Zeal for your house will consume me.” Jesus had an unrelenting passion for God’s house and His ways, which sets the example for us all.
This zeal for God must surpass our human admiration. JBK 10:7 challenges us to ask why we admire great men so much when the glory of God is infinitely greater. If we can admire humans for their fame, achievements, or even their piety, how much more should we worship and boast of God, who is the source of all creation and wisdom?
The Danger of Modern-Day Idolatry
Today’s society is saturated with examples of modern-day idolatry. We idolize musicians, actors, athletes, and even influential leaders. But this idolization, especially when it comes to religious figures, can become spiritually harmful when we place our trust and admiration in humans over God.
This issue is particularly pronounced within religious communities, where the admiration of leaders can become so intense that people stop thinking critically or seeking their own connection to God. In the last 100 years, LDS members have often placed modern-day prophets on pedestals, treating their words as infallible. Yet, Isaiah warns us not to place this kind of trust in man. Isaiah 2:17 tells us, “The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day.” This verse reminds us that no matter how respected or accomplished a person may be, only God is worthy of ultimate exaltation.
Returning Our Zeal to God
In JBK 10:7, God calls us to boast of Him in the same way we might boast of a famous or accomplished person. He asks us to recognize His glory and shout His name across the universe, giving Him the credit and honor He is due.
In Deuteronomy 6:5, God commands us, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” This verse, combined with the message of JBK 10:7, makes it clear that God wants all of us—our zeal, our admiration, and our devotion. He doesn’t want us to hold back any part of ourselves for the praise of men or the admiration of human accomplishments.