Does anyone remember who won the gold medal of the 2000 Olympics men’s 100 metres sprint?
It was actually a guy called Maurice Greene from the United States. Apparently, he has a tattoo that reads “GOAT” - referring to his claim to be ‘Greatest of All Time’. In the previous year he had achieved a world record 100 metre time of 9.79 seconds, but this was beaten in 2009 by Usain Bolt who ran 9.58 seconds!
Statistically, Cristiano Ronaldo is the best football player, Tom Brady the most successful American quarterback, Bill Gates the best businessman and Jeff Bezos the richest billionaire. All have tasted glory multiple times. But it is a fading glory. It comes, lasts a few days or weeks, passes and then disappears.
Sport stars or movie celebrities are generally only as popular as the present. Once they are injured, not successful or fail, they are no longer relevant or important.
Yes, any accomplishment, title or status does bring with it a small taste of glory. It can be an intoxicating feeling of power and invincibility. When you feel on top of the world and you have people worshipping you in some capacity.
Success can bring with it fame, riches and honour. Popularity and praise comes with success. But it is always short lived. Sure, it might last a few weeks, months or even several years. But eventually it becomes old news, or worse, completely forgotten.
However, whatever you achieve today will be surpassed in the future. And any worldly glory you receive will eventually fade. I am sorry to say but in 100 years time it will likely be forgotten about.
Another word for glory is "eternal splendour." And God is the King of glory. His kingdom and glory endures forever. Part of our inheritance as children of God is sharing in God's glory. Amazing!
Revelation 4:11 says “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
God alone is worthy of glory because only He can handle it. Give it to a fallen man or woman and it will go straight to their head, fill them with pride and then later a mighty fall.
Anything we do for
the Kingdom of God will last forever. In 1,000 years time, what you do to share
your testimony with others, give to the poor, serve at church, being faithful
and living a good witness will still be remembered.
Today, don't chase any fading glory for yourself. Give it all to the One who deserves it.
