Validation

“A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word 'darkness' on the walls of his cell.”

― C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain

There is something validating about a person committing to Christ.  When another person sees what we see, feels what we feel, and believes what we believe, it reinforces the truth that we embrace.  This is especially the case when a high-profile person - a celebrity, athlete, or politician - embraces our faith in Christ.  We can’t help but think, “If [celebrity] believes in Jesus, it must definitely be true!”

However, God requires no human validation.  There is rejoicing in heaven whenever someone receives the gift of salvation.  But not because it increases God’s standing or validates his lordship.  If not a single person acknowledged Christ as Lord, he would still be Lord, and no less so.  Our belief does not validate Jesus.  Our belief embraces Jesus’ validation of us - that we, too, are now God’s children through him.  Our belief in Christ adds nothing to him.  It adds everything to us.