For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10
Jesus Himself told His disciples that all judgement had been committed to Him. This is true. I will answer before my Lord for all the things that I have done. And no personal excuse will stand. I can't beg off the wrong I have done in attitude and action with some sort of casual reply like, "I had a headache". That will not pass muster on that day.
Paul was so motivated by the thought that he would give account of Himself before His Lord that it motivated him in his ministry. It was because of such a healthy fear of God that he persuaded men with the gospel. Paul was not the judge. Jesus is the judge and Jesus died for the offending parties. He is more than willing to forgive. He is also the One to Whom we owe all of our allegiance, service, devotion, duty, and life's work.
I think of this sort of accountability with too much light commitment on my part. My perspective needs to be changed to that of Paul. I need to see the eternal impact of the gospel in my own heart, and as the call of my life. I know that as I give account for myself, there will be much sadness over this in me. And I want to be able to hear words of encouragement from my Lord. I want to be a servant who hears the praise of "well-done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord".
Thoughts of judgement are not popular. They intimidate when they should bring intimacy. My perspective on them is changed when I realize that the closeness of my relationship with Jesus should naturally invite the scrutiny, and when I draw closer to Him, the approval of my Master may well be felt and understood RIGHT NOW, making the fear of future judgement less of my heart's sense.
Lord Jesus, I will appear to give account. I do so now when I take the time to offer this day to You, My Lord, for Your service, Your glory, Your purposes. You know what I will face. I pray that I will sensitive to Your leading, to the teaching of Your Word and the prompting of Your Spirit. Make something of eternal worth in me today. Amen
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10
Jesus Himself told His disciples that all judgement had been committed to Him. This is true. I will answer before my Lord for all the things that I have done. And no personal excuse will stand. I can't beg off the wrong I have done in attitude and action with some sort of casual reply like, "I had a headache". That will not pass muster on that day.
Paul was so motivated by the thought that he would give account of Himself before His Lord that it motivated him in his ministry. It was because of such a healthy fear of God that he persuaded men with the gospel. Paul was not the judge. Jesus is the judge and Jesus died for the offending parties. He is more than willing to forgive. He is also the One to Whom we owe all of our allegiance, service, devotion, duty, and life's work.
I think of this sort of accountability with too much light commitment on my part. My perspective needs to be changed to that of Paul. I need to see the eternal impact of the gospel in my own heart, and as the call of my life. I know that as I give account for myself, there will be much sadness over this in me. And I want to be able to hear words of encouragement from my Lord. I want to be a servant who hears the praise of "well-done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord".
Thoughts of judgement are not popular. They intimidate when they should bring intimacy. My perspective on them is changed when I realize that the closeness of my relationship with Jesus should naturally invite the scrutiny, and when I draw closer to Him, the approval of my Master may well be felt and understood RIGHT NOW, making the fear of future judgement less of my heart's sense.
Lord Jesus, I will appear to give account. I do so now when I take the time to offer this day to You, My Lord, for Your service, Your glory, Your purposes. You know what I will face. I pray that I will sensitive to Your leading, to the teaching of Your Word and the prompting of Your Spirit. Make something of eternal worth in me today. Amen
