Casting Crowns

1Jn 2:28 Now, little children, remain in him, that when he appears, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

A common misconception, I think, is that when Jesus returns for those who belong to Him, they will all be zapped away to Heaven where all shortcomings will be forgotten and everything will be hunky-dory, so to speak.

Truthfully, scripture does not indicate this. John reminds us that those of us who ignore our calling and our lineage in order to partake of the world and its offerings will stand before Jesus - ashamed. Saved as of by fire, another scripture says.

Pastor illustrated very clearly for us last weekend that we can most certainly forfeit our inheritance, just as the prodigal son did. Was he still accepted? Yes - but he was quite ashamed.

Remember that there will come a day when the single most important thing to us will be whether or not we have a crown to throw at the feet of Jesus. Let's not trade our crowns away for junk.