When the Lord returns, there will be a time of judgment at “the Judgment’ Seat of Christ.” Each of us will give an account of his works, and each will receive the appropriate reward. This is a “family judgment” as the Father deals with His beloved children.
The Greek word translated judgeth carries the meaning “to judge in order to find something good.” God will search into the motives for our ministry; He will examine our hearts. But He assures us that His purpose is to glorify Himself in our lives and ministries, “and then shall every man have praise of God” (1 Corinthians 4:5). What an encouragement!
God will give us many gifts and privileges as we grow in the Christian life; but He will never give us the privilege to disobey and sin. He never pampers His children or indulges them. He is no respecter of persons.
He “shows no partiality and accepts no bribes” (Deuteronomy 10:17, NIV). “For God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11,NIV). Years of obedience cannot purchase an hour of disobedience.
If one of His children disobeys, God must chasten. But when His child obeys and serves Him in love, He notes that and prepares the proper reward.
Today’s Scripture: “Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him. For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:9-10).
Read: Romans 14:10-12; Hebrews 12:1-13.
Action assignment: Get your hymnal, find the song “Trust and Obey,” and read it aloud. Then talk with the Lord.
WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in