Paul Washer once remarked: “Why would we want fame, when God promises us glory? Why would we be seeking the wealth of the world when the wealth of heaven is ours? Why would we run for a crown that will perish with time, when we’re called to win a crown that is imperishable?”1 In this fascinating quote Paul Washer contrasts the fleeting nature of fame, earthly wealth, and a temporary crown with the lasting values of godly glory, heavenly wealth, and an imperishable eternal crown.
While we all understand that heavenly wealth is far more valuable than earthly wealth and that a perishable crown can’t compare with an imperishable one I would like to focus on the comparison between fame and glory in the remainder of this devotion.
I am sure that all of us at one time or another have dreamed of being famous. Being recognized by many people for our achievements is something that makes us feel special. But fame is fleeting and we can’t take it with us when we die to the other side of eternity. And not only that but fame appeals to our emotions which ebb and flow depending on the whims of what people think about us. The beautiful thing about being a Christian is that we can store up great treasures in heaven by simply being faithful in the little things that God has given us in this life. It is far better be known to God as a faithful servant than a famous one. Pastors may get the fame but those who are faithful get the glory of the Lord.
Glory is an amazing word and we can see how special it is by looking at a few Scripture verses. (Philippians 3:20-21) tells us: “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” I love these verses because they tell me I will get a glorified body in heaven that will last for all of eternity.
(Romans 8:18) declares: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Here we see that the Apostle Paul compares suffering with the immense glory we will receive, I believe, now as well as forever in Christ.
And we also read in (Romans 8:30): “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” As Christians we know we are predestined, called, justified, and yes, glorified. Glorification is the ultimate phase of our Christian journey and the joy and excitement it brings puts earthly fame to shame.
But just what is this glory that will be revealed in us that we read in (Romans 8:18)? I believe it is that perfect state that we will experience for all of eternity by being in the presence of the Lord. Our glory will be so rich in joy and blessings that it will constantly fill our cups to overflowing. As Christians, no matter what trials and sufferings we go through in this life, let’s always rejoice for that special glory we will receive from our Savior!
1 Paul Washer Quote: “Why would we want fame, when God promises us glory? Why would we be seeking the wealth of the world when the wealth of h…” (quotefancy.com)
“Let’s always rejoice for that special glory we will receive from our Savior!”
Charles Spurgeon once said,
God can honour you, even though nobody else sees that he does it, in such a way that you will be more contented with that honor than if your name and fame were blazoned forth before the whole world.
What this world has to offer cannot compare with an eternity with our Saviour. Use your time here for His glory.