15TH FEBRUARY
2 Corinthians 5:9-11
“So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him [the Lord]. 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. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.”
The fact that one day you will be accountable to Jesus for how you live your Christian life makes living as a witness for him much more important to you!
Although Jesus is your dearest friend, you must never forget that he is not simply a buddy who is your equal. He is the Lord of all.
Will Christians be accountable to Jesus for how they live the new life he has given them? Yes, they will. In today’s passage Paul says, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” The word “we” means that Paul includes himself, and “we all” means that he includes you and me as well. This is not a judgment for salvation. That judgment has already been passed on Jesus, who stood in our place.
Nevertheless, the New Testament makes it clear that there will be accountability for our Christian lives.
Paul is saying, “I love Christ so much and want to please him. And on top of that, I know I will stand before him one day and he will want to know that the price he paid for my salvation was worth it. The reality of that day of accountability leads me to persuade the people in my life to consider Christ.”
MAKE IT PERSONAL
The Bible teaches us that our responsibility as believers is to work uncompromisingly as the Lord has gifted us and leads us in this life. Are you working hard to build your kingdom or God’s Kingdom?