And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.
Hebrews 9:27 (ESV)
We see the glory of man all around us. Whether it's an athlete, singer, actor, CEO, architect or someone who accomplished some other admirable accomplishment, we can see the glory of man all around us.
We may receive great awards or the accolades of other men. Yet one day, we will stand alone before God to be judged.
In that moment, we will be required to leave every bit of our own glory behind us. We will not be allowed to bring money, trophies, popularity, awards or any other rewards of this life with us. Not even our clothing can tag along for the ride. People who have great pride in their bodies will be disappointed if they assume that they can stand before God naked. We must stand before the Great and Mighty Living God and Righteous Judge - even without our bodies!
In that day, the angels will not get excited that the G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) in some field is coming to be judged. All we will judged on is our personal relationship with Jesus Christ! God is not - and cannot be - impressed by any man or woman - ever.
That moment will be a grave awakening for many. They will fully realize that all they did was for the glory of man and not for the glory of God.
However for the child of God, it will be a glorious awakening. God will complete the work He has begun in us and will fully reveal His glorious Kingdom to us.
This may seem narrow minded or pretentious to some. But it is the truth of the gospel. None among those of us who are in right relationship with God also will have any of our own glory to bring before God.
We are saved by God's free gift and by His supernatural work alone. Jesus paid it all!
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 (ESV)
With that in mind, which awakening do we want in that day? Will we stand in realization that our own glory has departed and all we have done is worthless in His sight. Or, will we awaken to have God share his own Glorious Kingdom with us.
While we are still here we can receive that free gift of God, accepting His rule over us, or will we continue to be the master of our own destiny and ruler of our own hearts?
God will change our hearts if we invite Him to be our Master!
The thought of anyone being our master may sound distasteful to many. But know that God is a good Master and the only one worthy to be.
Trust Him now to come in to your heart, change it and rule over it. It is the greatest and most important decision you will ever make!
