A Name Recorded in Heaven (March 21, 2024)
“All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, but the word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Peter 1:24:25)
While some people shun the spotlight and have no desire for public notoriety, others pursue self-centered lifestyles, vigorously seeking worldly fame and personal glory. Perhaps you know individuals who strive for attention and recognition, and may even resort to ruthlessness to gain the acclaim that they desperately seek. These prideful glory seekers elevate their own self-interests above the cares and concerns of other people, sometimes even including their loved ones and friends. Driven by robust egos, they burn with the desire to see their names prominently displayed in sparkling lights and revered in every household. Many of these self-absorbed people will stop at nothing to gain the fame, material possessions, fleshly pleasure, and social influence for which they lust.
“But He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12)
As saints of Jesus Christ, however, we are called to follow in the footsteps of our LORD, humbling ourselves before God as faithful servants, knowing that He will lift us up in due time. Meekly putting other people above ourselves and making God our highest priority, we should seek not the praise of a pagan world but pursue lifestyles of trusting obedience that please our heavenly Father, conform to His perfect will, and serve His divine purpose. Having yielded our human desires to God’s sovereign control, we can engage in abundant Christ-centered lives that honor and glorify the LORD, not ourselves. As believers saved by God’s grace, we do not long to see our names illuminated on worldly marquees; we look forward to beholding our Savior’s glory, rejoicing that our names are indelibly recorded in heaven in the Lamb’s Book of Life forever!
“Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:2
