“…And at that time every man will have

the applause of God.”

I Corinthians 4:5

Many people are waiting for the ‘applause of heaven’ on their lives. But heaven’s saints only applaud what God applauds, and He’s careful who receives His ‘atta-boys’ and ‘atta-girls.’

Jesus said that some will say to me, “Lord, Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in Your Name.” Matthew 7:22 NLT  His response was immediate: “I never really knew you. I don’t applaud disobedience and sin!”

Here’s the Biblical truth – sometime in the future, all of us will be called on stage before God. As He revisits our lives and contemplates our hearts, I Corinthians 4:5 says, “For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.” NLT

The word ‘praise’ can be translated from the Greek word ‘epainos’ as ‘applause.’ Make no mistake, God pays attention to what we applaud in life. If our heroes are people who disregard His loving appeal, who party with those who take God as some kind of cosmic joke, who treat sin as inconsequential and who fill their lives with meaningless activities at the expense of their souls… God will sit with hands folded.

But for believers who have honored and obeyed Him, those who have pleased Him with their choices and time, those who have had pure hearts and right motives and have embraced God’s call to righteousness, God’s personal applause and standing ovation will be joined by untold multitudes of heaven’s citizens.

Two Old Testament verses spell out exactly what will bring God to His feet:

“No, he has told you what he wants, and this is all it is:

to be fair, just, merciful, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8 NLY

“These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble

and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.”

Isaiah 66:2 NIV

“…And at that time every man will have the applause of God.”

I Corinthians 4:5