the vagueness of "a higher power"

Recently I was talking with someone who informed me that they believed in a Higher Power.  Without pause, I immediately assumed they were referring to Jesus and continued on with our discussion.  But later, I started to really think about their comment.  What higher power?  Who exactly were they referring to?

God?
Angels?
Satan?
Demons?
Flying Spaghetti Monsters?
The Spirits of Deceased Relatives?
Past Saints, Martyrs, Religious Leaders?

There are many definitions of higher powers out there competing against God and His rightful throne.  In my opinion, those who refer to a higher power are referring to a power greater than man... a supreme being, a deity.  So it is important to pinpoint what deity are we actually talking about?  What supreme being?  Perhaps the term "Higher Power" is a vague way of stating one's belief in God Almighty, but then why not claim Him by His Holy Name?

Furthermore, some folks consider themselves to be the highest power known.  They do not accept the big-G God of the Bible.  They reject the notion of a supernatural, spiritual entity, and are more comfortable solely acknowledging the abilities of naturally visible living creatures.  So perhaps their higher power is a belief in themselves?

Clearly, I should never assume your higher power is the same as my Higher Power: Jesus Christ.  And this brings me to today's thought...

Christians, our Salvation has one Name, and our God will not share His glory with another would-be higher power.  He alone is the big-G God!  He is whom we must acknowledge boldly and without compromise, apology, or fear.  We are His sheep and were created to acknowledge His glory.

"I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols." (Isaiah 42:8)

"Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth - everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” (Isaiah 43:6b-7)

Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.”’ (Luke 4:8)

The Jews who were there gathered round him, saying, ‘How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.’ Jesus answered, ‘I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.’ (John 10:24-30)

Our jealous God will not share His glory with men, with the idols of man, or even with nature.  We are never to serve anything or anyone more than The Creator (see Romans 1:25).  We are always to give God full credit, full glory, and avoid all forms of idolatry (even comfortable vagueness for the sake of political correctness).  We are never to “exchange” His glory in favor of the “glory of man.”  For everything else... every so-called "higher power" will always, always fail.  Yes, there is only one eternal God... one King... one Way... and His Name is Jesus Christ.  He is constant.  He is forever.  So, let's remember to always praise and acknowledge Him clearly, confidently, openly.

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. (Psalm 62:1)

Thank you, Jesus!

Blessings!

~Victoria

© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson