It was a relaxed ceremony in Dublin. Bono was there with his wife and four children and a few others. It was a big day for Bono but not his only big day. Two other countries, France and Portugal had recognized his humanitarian efforts and bestowed their countries’ honors on him. But this was a very special occasion.

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The Irish rock icon was there to receive the prestigious honor of knighthood. U2’s frontman Bono was named Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. British Ambassador David Reddington paid tribute to Bono for his tireless efforts in fighting poverty and disease in Africa and around the globe.

As Ambassador Reddington bestowed the honor upon Bono, he jokingly asked him if he was disappointed that becoming a knight no longer involved a sword or kneeling. Bono lightheartedly placed his hand on the ambassador’s shoulder and said: “Please, I wasn’t expecting you to kneel.

Although Bono was knighted, his name could not be prefixed with a ‘Sir,’ because the title is reserved only for citizens of the British Empire or British Commonwealth countries. That did not stop Bono from joking about what he could now be called: “You have permission to call me anything you want — except sir, all right? Lord of lords, your demigodness, that’ll do,” he told reporters afterward.

As for all the awards and honors, Bono feels it gives him the status required to get the attention of powerful leaders in the world so he can advance the cause of helping the poor. In his own words he says the honors and accolades “really help me get through a few doors I wouldn’t get through. And that’s the truth, that’s the way the world is,” he said.

You’re right Bono. That is the truth. That’s the way the world is. That’s how you get through the doors of palaces, oval offices, and doors to other things in this world. But getting through life’s most sought-after door is based on completely different criteria.

Accolades, knighthoods, awards and self-sacrificing accomplishments will not help Bono get through Heaven’s Door. (I ‘think’ Bono knows that.) Nor will things like that help you get through Heaven’s door. And that’s the truth, that’s the way heaven is.

As much as Bono wants to get through the great doors of earth, I believe at his core, he knows the most important door of all is the door to Heaven. Has he entered that door? I don’t know and I’m not the Judge. The lyrics of his songs, his interviews and other things over the years send out conflicting messages.

The words of U2’s most frequently covered song over their decades of performing as a rock band may strike a nerve in your own life as well:

“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”

I have climbed highest mountain
I have run through the fields
Only to be with you
Only to be with you

I have run
I have crawled
I have scaled these city walls
These city walls
Only to be with you

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

I have kissed honey lips
Felt the healing in her fingertips
It burned like fire
This burning desire

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I have spoke with the tongue of angels
I have held the hand of a devil
It was warm in the night
I was cold as a stone

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for

I believe in the kingdom come
Then all the colors will bleed into one
Bleed into one
Well yes I’m still running

You broke the bonds and you
Loosed the chains
Carried the cross
Of my shame
Of my shame
You know I believed it

But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for
But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…

Obviously Bono knows about Christ and the purpose of His death on the Cross. Many people know ‘why’ Jesus died. Some have even parroted a prayer saying: “Thank you Jesus for dying for me,” but something is still missing. They continue to sing: “But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…

Knighthood and other awards are certainly great honors for Bono to receive. But if that’s all Bono received, he could only continue to sing:

“But I still haven’t found what I’m looking for.”

When a person finds Christ, they find peace and security. So often they breathe out in relief: “Finally, I’ve found what I’m looking for!”

No one can be contented or at peace until they actually enter that one, all-important door – not in theory, but in reality. Knowing about Christ and knowing Christ is as far apart as Heaven is from Hell.

Entering that door is not a gradual experience. The Bible teaches that conversion is a point-in-time encounter with Christ – a crystal clear and conscious experience of trusting Christ as your personal Saviour. Do you have such a moment?

A person enters that one door as a repentant sinner. Jesus said that He Himself is the door. He is the opening. Through Him people enter and receive eternal life.

Jesus said:
“I am the door;
by Me if anyone enters in he shall be saved.”

John 10:9

Any Christian I have ever met, who truly knows Christ personally as their own Saviour and Lord is thrilled to say with joy and confidence: “My search ended when I met Christ. I have found exactly what I’ve been looking for.

If you still haven’t found what you’re looking for, don’t settle for anything less than Christ. He is available to you today. Read the Gospel of John in the Bible. Click here to discuss this further by email.

Sources:

  • Bono Knighted, Associated Press, Shawn Pogatchnik, March 30,2007
  • Wikipedia
  • Pictures: www.atu2.com
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