Chapter 15: The Mirror and the Throne — Judgment and Humility
Pride loves to look in the mirror.
But one day, it will have to look at the throne.
The question will not be,
“How great did you become?”
But rather,
“Did you kneel?”
There is a day coming—
when all boasting will cease,
when every title fades,
and when we will stand exposed before the King.
No Room for Excuses
“Each of us will give an account of himself to God.” — Romans 14:12
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from His sight.” — Hebrews 4:13
There will be no spin.
No platform.
No one to impress.
Our status, success, and spiritual résumé—
none of it will matter.
What will?
The posture of our hearts.
Did we surrender?
Did we repent?
Did we live to glorify God—or ourselves?
Pride at the Judgment
Jesus spoke of people who will say:
“Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name…
and do many mighty works?” — Matthew 7:22
But He will say:
“I never knew you.”
Why?
Because even their spiritual gifts
were used for personal gain.
Pride can perform miracles.
It can plant churches.
It can build platforms.
But it cannot please God.
The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
“Two men went up to the temple to pray…” — Luke 18:10
The Pharisee thanked God
that he was not like other sinners.
He fasted.
Tithed.
Spoke in religious language.
But the tax collector stood far off and said:
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner.”
And Jesus said:
“This man went home justified, rather than the other.”
Humility saves.
Pride condemns.
A Mirror Before the Throne
Judgment is not just about punishment.
It is exposure.
The light will shine.
The truth will be known.
And the proud will be silenced.
Not by force.
By reality.
Old Testament Echoes
– Saul refused correction and lost his kingdom.
– Hezekiah showed off his wealth, and judgment followed.
– Nebuchadnezzar was humbled like a beast until he lifted his eyes to heaven.
– Korah rose up in rebellion and was swallowed by the earth.
Each thought they stood tall.
Each was brought low.
But the Humble Are Lifted
“The Lord lifts up the humble;
He casts the wicked to the ground.” — Psalm 147:6
“To this one I will look:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit.” — Isaiah 66:2
God is not looking for perfection.
He is looking for surrender.
At the throne, the only safe posture
is the one already bowed.
What Does It Matter?
We will all meet the throne.
Some will arrive proudly—
pointing to their achievements,
their goodness,
their strength.
Others will arrive quietly—
clinging only to Christ.
And it will be those
who are lifted up.
The judgment will not be avoided.
But it can be prepared for.
And humility is the preparation.
Reflection and Questions
What do I rely on to feel “good with God”—and is it prideful?
If I stood before God today, what would I say?
Do I fear exposure more than I desire holiness?
Am I living now in a posture of humility—before the final judgment?
What would it look like to cast myself fully on Christ today?
