The Irony of Perspective

“How can you believe who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?” – John 5:44
Inspirational music crescendos as the audience follows the undersized hero through the hall of heroes. We hold our breath as he lays his eye on the prize he has worked for his entire life. His green fingers reach out to touch the shiny silver surface…and my mind thinks, “How dumb.” My family will tell you – I love Monster’s University but in this pivotal movie moment I was distracted by a sobering parallel.
Mike W. is staking everything on whether or not he wins this trophy. A trophy from a college competition for fraternity or sorority pride at a fabled university that – spoiler alert – exists only as the figment of imagination. As I watched, I wondered how many of my awards, my goals, my investments will appear the same as Mike’s in heaven?
Few things last forever -- God and the souls of people -- and ultimately, only God's opinion and approval matter. My marathon ribbons and beautiful physical appearance. My stunning front yard (and my picture on the cover of Home & Garden). My illustrious career built by 60+ hour work weeks. From heaven, when I look out over my accomplishments, what will survive the reality check? And what will be a worthless trophy from a petty competition from a fake universe?