As a continuation of the previous article:

One might think a “badge of demerit” isn’t a big deal; after all, if some religions threaten you with eternal damnation in hell, what’s a badge compared to that?

Oh, you might be surprised. In fact, you might prefer eternal death in hell.

You see, such a “badge” is not something that can be hidden. In fact, it’s the first thing everyone you ever meet will see about you. Also, it will immediately tell the whole story of your failure. It will also determine your spiritual “rank”, barring you from any duty of importance or distinction.

It’s the opposite with the “jewels”. They also demand immediate attention and are the first thing one sees about you, like a title on a business card, only much more detailed, telling the whole story of a great deed which earned it. Anyone who is introduced to you will see that first, see its message played out in an instant, and know that, metaphorically, they are speaking to a general in God’s army, or a great hero, or something to that effect. This will open the doors of advancement, and into the company of other great and distinguished individuals, who not only held their own in the world, but also went beyond the normal and expected, into the realm of great and amazing deeds. It’s like the title of sainthood, but very specific, where the jewel is tailored by your specific achievement and is yours alone.

Imagine being defined, forever, by such an order of (de)merit. Imagine having the title of “traitor of God”, like Judas, forever. Death in hell might be preferable. Also, imagine having the title of a Heroic Victorious Combatant in God’s battle against Satan, opening all doors for you in eternity, and granting you respect and a voice in matters of great import. Not all titles sound like military ranks and orders of merit, of course, but I’m using those to paint a picture. Some jewels can be earned by contemplating or meditating upon some subtle spiritual experience all your life and staying faithful to its memory, or sacrificing something for a worthy goal, and are very subtle and specific – but they open doors and grant respect regardless. The doors that are opened or closed by such “badges” are subtle and invisible, but still, they form a great divide in the true life, a divide between the valley of shame, and the grand peak of eternal glory, atop of which resides the golden throne of God.