Praised By God #1—Glorified for Good

Scripture frequently reminds us that praising God is right and wise. But Scripture also promises that we can expect praise from God. As every good father longs for his children to succeed and eagerly anticipates affirming them when they do, so our heavenly Father encourages us to live in a way that draws forth his praise. For acknowledging our success as children affirms his success as our Father. Celebrating our accomplishments as his regents reflects well on his effectiveness as our ruler. God is waiting to catch us living righteously, so he can joyously affirm us for honoring him with the obedience of faith. Incorporating these promises into our minds and hearts will help us fine-tune our faith for those times when we need to remember this encouraging truth.

God will reward each of us according to our deeds: eternal life to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality. … There will be glory and honor and peace for everyone—regardless of your heritage—who does good. Romans 2:6–10

What causes God to respond with enthusiastic delight to what we do? Our background is unimportant to the Lord: He’s not impressed by our country of origin or our cultural heritage. He does not regard our parentage or our gender. Neither the color of our skin nor the language we speak matters to him. Whether we are prosperous or struggling to make ends meet doesn’t elicit a response. Driving a fancy car does not get his attention, nor does walking barefoot down dusty trails. He prizes how we pursue the prize he proffers. An eternity of undiminished glory, honor, and strife-free living awaits everyone who pursues it by doing good because we are citizens of Christ’s kingdom; not just once, of course, but persistently. God will honor us for using the resources he’s made available to us in the most suitable way. A suitable way benefits others and draws attention to him. God acted this way when he created everything. So, as those made to represent him, he desires us to act the same way. This is how Jesus lived. He told his disciples, “I followed my Father’s example exclusively.” Therefore, he calls us to learn from him and imitate him. When we follow Jesus in the obedience of faith, he will assist us in our efforts, restore us when we fail, and joyfully welcome us home in the end.

Creator God, cause the prospect of your righteous praise to motivate me for good, forever.