Worldly status means nothing to the Lord

We all are in need of God’s grace. Let me explain.

It seems this summer I have seen an abundance of frogs around our house. Especially this week with the rains, I am expecting in influx around our patio door. Seeing all these frogs reminded me of the strange encounter I had with a frog.

One day several years ago I was getting ready for company and changing the sheets in the guest bedroom on the second floor of our home. Suddenly a croak from the corner of the room startled me.

I turned quickly, starring in the direction of the noise. There, sitting in the corner of the bedroom was a big, fat green frog! I couldn’t believe what I saw! How did he get into the second floor bedroom? Did he hop up the stairs at midnight? Did he crawl through a vent? Did he hop up a tree, leap over to the garage roof, jump again 5 feet high onto the roof of the kitchen and then bound into the second floor window?

I was puzzled. He had gotten there some way. I knew I had to grab him or forever have him in the house so I crept over to the corner, picked up the big green thing and took him down stairs, out the back door and into my neighbor’s pond.

I couldn’t figure it out. Why was he on the second floor of my house? How did he get there? By my standards, he was out of place. I was puzzled and still am.

That frog experience is not the only thing that puzzles me. I admit that I have an inclination to size people up because they don’t fit my standards. I think about heaven and who will me there. My perception of some believers is not in line with God’s eternal perspective and how He sees them.

I am guilty of studying the Christian who is too pushy. My perception: Is she trying to impress people?

I comment disapprovingly of the teenager with the baggy pants and pony tail. My perception: Doesn’t he know we don’t come to church like that?

I notice the character who tries to impress me with his religious blabber. My perception: I bet he is all talk and no action.

I look at the young girl with nose rings, piercings, orange streaked hair and a tattooed necklace around her neck. My perception: She is so foolish.

I see the Christian that always tries to impress me by telling me about all the work that He is doing in the church. My perception: You are serving your own ego brother!

But back to the frog in the upstairs bedroom. Think about the second floor as heaven. I don’t decide who will get to heaven — it does not depend on my standards. My own personal approval of others is not a factor. In fact, we all may really be shocked at who will be there. They may not look the part but what will matter is if they have accepted Christ and have chosen Him long ago.

Further, not one of us is worthy to be in heaven. Paul said that we “all fall short of his glory” (Romans 3:23) and that is why Christ came. So who am I to judge?

Our dress, mannerisms, personality, intelligence, personal popularity, occupation, college degrees or financial status will make no difference when it comes to heaven.

Our popularity with people, our beauty or handsomeness, our connections or network of influential people mean nothing when we stand before the Lord.

I like what Rick Warren said: “And you know, when you’ve experienced grace and you feel like you’ve been forgiven, you’re a lot more forgiving of other people. You’re a lot more gracious to others.”

So if I am filled with God’s grace, I will look with grace on others. In the end, all those who have trusted the Lord as Savior will all share quarters in heaven. Jesus’ own words in John 14 tells us that He is preparing mansions in eternity, regardless of our worldly status on earth.

Judy Brandon writes about faith for the Clovis News Journal. Contact her at:

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