Yesterday I was standing just outside the cabinet room in the Florida State Capitol chatting with Governor Scott. He introduced me to a fellow standing next to him and mentioned to him that I was the keynote speaker that morning.
I looked around the crowded room and saw Don Gaetz President of the Florida Senate, and then there was Will Weatherford, Speaker of the House of Representatives chatting with my best buddy and former speaker T.K. Wetherell, and over there was Pam Biondi Florida Attorney General, and many other notable and distinguished members of the House of Representatives, Senate, and major players in Florida government.
I mused to myself, “Run Forrest – Run!” I no more belonged in that high profile setting than the fictional movie character Forrest Gump belonged at the White House showing the President the wound he received in his “buttocks” after being shot in the rump in Viet Nam.
The occasion was the annual Florida Legislative Prayer Breakfast and I had been asked to give my testimony. The Governor led things off with a short speech followed by several prayers and encouraging comments delivered by various Senators and Representatives and then I got up and delivered the keynote.
When finished I received a standing ovation, which always makes me feel uncomfortable. I don’t want to take any credit for what God has done in my life. It’s not me that deserves the praise of men for the miraculous transformation of my life; it is God and I pointed upwards to emphasize that point and to acknowledge that any applause belongs to Him and only Him.
I think the most important part of my little talk was at the end when I stated the obvious, in that eternity is forever and this life is but a vapor. It seems that the entire world wants to chase the things that mean the least. The money, the material things, the power, the titles, the accomplishments, and streets, bridges, and buildings named in our honor.
In the end though we will face God alone and we will take nothing with us, (including those Rolex watches and diamond rings), even our families and friends will all be left behind.
We will face almighty God completely alone and naked. We will kneel before Him and look up into His eyes and give an account for what we have done in our lives. All of those votes that were made will be brought to light, as will any back room deals that were consummated. That can be a good thing or a bad. My hope and prayer is that many of those good things will be discussed with God and He will nod approvingly as He sees the blood of Christ covering all sins and He will smile and say, “Well done, my good and faithful Son, enter into my kingdom and let’s break some bread and have a glass of fine wine together; maybe later we can wet a line. The rainbow trout are rolling in the River of Life as we speak and just begging to be caught.
Woo Hoo!
Don’t ever be afraid to take a stand for Jesus. He will always take a stand for you. When you witness to others, don’t worry about the words that you will need to use to express yourself, the Holy Spirit will supply those. Focus on Him and obey His commands and all will be well in your lives.
Have a great weekend and go to church this weekend!
Romans 2:13
For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.