Names Written in Heaven (April 27, 2023)

“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 after which they lust, along with material wealth, fleshly pleasure, and social influence.

“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 Christians, however, we are called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ by humbling ourselves before God as faithful servants, knowing that He will lift us up in due time. Meekly putting other people above ourselves and God above all as our highest priority, we seek not the praise of a pagan world but the pursuit of lifestyles of trusting obedience that please our heavenly Father, conform to His perfect will, and serve His divine purpose. Having yielded our own human desires to God’s sovereign control, we should be engaged in abundant Christ-centered lives that honor and glorify our LORD, not ourselves. As true believers saved by God’s grace, we do not long to see our names illuminated on earthly marquees; we look forward to beholding our Savior and sharing His heavenly glory, rejoicing that our names are forever recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life!

“Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20) “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15)