Can I See Your Badge?

The Masters, a tradition unlike any other, begins today. The course, the history, and the memories are all legendary. One of the greatest golfers to ever walk the course is the six-time Masters champion, Jack Nicklaus. Three years ago when he arrived at Augusta National Golf Course to participate in the tournament's festivities, he was videotaped from inside his car. The video, which went viral, showed him driving up Magnolia Lane and stopping at each security checkpoint along the way. The crazy part of the video was how Jack wasn’t easily recognized by multiple security guards. Here he was, one of the greatest golfers of all time (with six green jackets) and he was asked to show his badge. You'd think everyone at Augusta would know him because of his accomplishments, right? Jack must have been surprised they didn't know him after having such a distinguished career, but the reality was they didn't have a relationship with him. This scenario and video provide us a visual example for a similar scene Jesus describes in Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV): “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. "On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” These verses are a reminder that we can do religious activities and say they are for Him, but they may be driven by the wrong motives. It's not about Him knowing us by our accomplishments and "green jackets." Instead, we must put our faith and hope in Jesus for our salvation and then obey Him based on our close relationship with Him. God wants us to be obedient and have fruit in our lives by following His commands because we love Him, not because we're trying to build up our resume. This also means we can't just do a few "religious" things here and there and then live disobediently with disregard to His will. Jesus’ finished work on the cross and our belief and trust in Him are what allow us entry into eternity with Him. When we truly receive God’s grace and surrender to Jesus, our hearts and lives change because we know Him and He knows us. Thankfully, when we get face to face with Jesus in heaven we can confidently know He will recognize us because of His accomplishment on the cross and our genuine relationship with Him. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so thankful I have the opportunity to know You because of what Jesus did on the cross. Thank you for allowing me to join You in Heaven based on Jesus’ accomplishment and not my own good works. Because I fall short, I am so grateful that Jesus fills in the gap. I pray my life would reflect that I know Jesus and the fruit in my life would be evident. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.