By: Sherry Pryor
What would it be like if we lived not knowing if our existence mattered? Most of us need and want to know that our presence here on earth is noticed, made known, and felt, even if only by a few. Others may need recognition from more than just a few people. There are those that need their accomplishments seen and heard and want their giving nature to be on display so they can feel the admiration, appreciation, and be praised. But, what if there was no recognition at all?
What made me think of this was a book I picked up which referenced the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The inscription on the Tomb reads: “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”
“Known but to God” impacted me in a powerful way. No one knows who this person is, where he came from, who his family was, or even if he was a believer. Only God knows all of these things. God is the only one who matters. All of the other unknowns are of little value to give him everlasting life with God.
So, isn’t this what all of us should be striving for – to be known by God? One of the most fearful verses in the Bible, that actually made me shudder when I read it, is Matthew 7:23 (NKJV): “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”
This is the verse that delivered the final blow to end my life of sinning against God in order to begin a new life living for God, by His Grace and forgiveness. I began to live for God and not only for others here on earth. If this is the first time you read this verse, or if you are reading this verse with new eyes and a renewed heart, I would challenge you to reflect on the devastating impact of God turning away from us.
This is such a powerful reminder that we should now measure daily how well our soul is by how well we pleased God. To affirm we are following God’s plan for us, we should ask each day: Did I first meditate and pray giving praise to our Lord and Savior? Did I listen intently to hear Holy Spirit guiding me to opportunities to be helpful or kind? Did I harness and control my words to be uplifting and not less than? Did I do all this for the glory of God or for my own gain and recognition?
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:1 ESV
“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
Colossians 3:23 ESV
Lord, may our thoughts, words, and deeds be performed with a quietness as individuals and as a collective group void of any hint of boasting in order to give the glory and the power to You to shine a light or make known what You deem as good.
“Do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.”
Romans 11:18 NKJV
“So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God.”
Romans 15:17 NLT
May we remember each day when no one else sees all of our good works or the sacrifices we make in the name of Jesus for the glory of our Lord and Savior, that God sees us at all times. God knows our name.
“Know that the Lord, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”
Psalm 100:3 NKJV
My Prayer: Each day I live, may it be a day I give to God; and on my day of death, may it be known by God that I believed.
