In my last post I left the question: which posture should characterize a follower of Jesus, a lowered head or a head held high?

While we are indeed sinners saved by grace—a reflection of the work God has done and continues to do—we can now hold our heads high because of the finished work of Jesus Christ: His redemption, justification, reconciliation, and adoption. What a multifaceted diamond the gospel is. We are sons and daughters of the King!

As we grow into the likeness of Christ, what we believe about ourselves and our future with Him impacts our lives and our relationship with the Father.

Colossians 3:4 says, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory”(NIV).

During my early years of following Jesus, reading my Bible, and going to church, I thought “glory” was a place with a ZIP Code . . . kind of like heaven. You know, “I’ll see you in Glory.”

That’s a popular use of the word “Glory” in our North American church culture. But in Scripture, the word “glory” has a much more important meaning. The word “glory” comes from the Greek word doxa, which means reputation, fame, and honor. Second Corinthians 5:20 says we are God’s representatives in this world. We were created to enhance God’s reputation––to bring Him glory.

At the end of this current chapter of human history, when Jesus returns, His followers will stand with Him in honor. We won’t get “big heads,” because we’ll know (hopefully) that our purpose isn’t to keep the glory (fame) for ourselves, but to reflect it to Jesus so He gets more!

I’m motivated to live this week to honor Him, as, by His grace, I reflect His goodness.

In your daily life, what keeps you from behaving this way? What hinders your ability to live in a way that causes others to say, “Wow, God must be incredible”?