C. S. Lewis grasped the essence of humanity and captured it in these choice words found in The Weight of Glory: “There are no ordinary people. You have never talked to a mere mortal.” He then penned the poignant, biblically accurate fact that each of us will either become an “immortal horror” or an “everlasting splendor.”
In the early years of his life, Jesus’ half-brother Jude couldn’t grasp the fact that his oldest brother was indeed divine, let alone that He was an everlasting splendor. Apparently after Jesus’ death and resurrection, however, Jude came to believe that Jesus is the Savior of the world (Acts 1:14; 1 Corinthians 9:5), and he began to spread His message.
In the book that carries his name, Jude—now an old man—warned his readers of the dangers of false teachers and their treacherous message. But he then concluded the book by calling all true believers to grasp who they are in Jesus: (1) Possessors of the “most holy faith”; (2) vessels filled with “the power of the Holy Spirit”; (3) recipients of “the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ” and the “eternal life” found in Him; (4) children who have received “God’s love” (Jude 1:20-21).
It’s vital that we remind other believers in Jesus and receive reminders from them that God has made us His everlasting splendors. The world, with its false views and faith-belittling ways, will keep telling us that we’re simply “immortal horrors.” And that’s why we must constantly “build each other up” in our faith, helping and rescuing one another when our faith wavers (Jude 1:20,22-23).
You, as a believer in Jesus, are an everlasting splendor who one day will be in Jesus’ “glorious presence” (Jude 1:24). Build up another believer with those truths today!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: James 2:1-13
More:
Read John 15:15 to see how Jesus views us. Read Ephesians 2:10 and Colossians 2:10 and consider what Paul states about our true identity.
Next:
What false views have been clouding your true identity in Jesus? How can you better encourage believers in Him, helping them see that they’re “everlasting splendors”?
Ruth O'reilly-smith on December 20, 2014 at 2:38 am
What an encouraging word Tom – thanks for the reminder! Like Barnabas, may we know who we are in Christ and be intentional in our care for and encouragement of others.
Tom Felten on December 20, 2014 at 1:22 pm
Agreed, Ruth! Without a clear identity of who we are in Jesus we won’t be motivated to show mercy and compassion to others.
Gary Shultz on December 20, 2014 at 6:07 am
Is this not great stuff to ponder. But even better is time spent with other believers lifting each other up in love, which is one of our greatest testimonies, to love one another. Thank you for the time you take to watch over and lift up this electronically connected community. May the splendor this season be an everlasting blessing to you. Be encouraged by His birth and purpose.
Tom Felten on December 20, 2014 at 1:24 pm
Gary, you’re so right—our love for another speaks volumes to those who don’t know Jesus and blesses those who do. God is glorified in both those things!
gary1schelvan on December 20, 2014 at 6:51 am
Hello Brother Tom,
Thank you so much for this beautiful posting, it hits upon a topic dear to my heart. Words of encouragement, lifting one another up, exhorting each other on. Our words can be such a powerful force, for good or for bad. We should always strive to control our tongues, to have our words be uttered in an encouraging manner. My parents always taught their 4 sons, “If you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” I love how you always have something positive/uplifting to say in your postings as well as your replies and comments. Thanks so much for your Barnabas like quality in this area. May you and your family have a blessed Christmas celebration.
This is the other Gary on the tag team! Bless all of you.
Tom Felten on December 20, 2014 at 1:26 pm
Thanks so much, Gary. God has been so gracious and kind to me, may He be praised in the words and actions I share with others! It’s a delight to journey with you and all of our worldwide Our Daily Journey community.
Winn Collier on December 21, 2014 at 2:49 pm
Today, as we look with such a strong gaze toward Christmas, is a good day to be reminded about how the truest human came as a babe to show us the splendor God has in mind for us. Indeed, we are all splendors. Thank you.