9
So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10
For we must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us
for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 NIV
Every Christian is answerable to Jesus for how he or she lived life. We will not stand before the Great White Throne of Revelation 20:11--that is where unbelievers will be judged. Instead, we will go before Christ's judgment seat and give an account of ourselves.
Perhaps this seems like a contradiction: Believers will not be judged but will stand before Christ's judgment seat. The Greek word that 2 Corinthians uses for "judgment seat" is bema, which means a place of accountability. So those who believe in the Savior will not be condemned to death but will live and be accountable to Him.
Do not confuse accountability with giving a defense. We won't defend our worthless actions--those things we said and did that brought no honor to the Lord or shamed His name. God likens our selfish works to wood, hay, and stubble, which are items fit only for the fire (1 Cor. 3:13). The valuable thoughts, words, and deeds that serve the Lord are exchanged for rewards in heaven.
What we'll be judged on is the quality of our work. God has given every believer an individual purpose, along with the personality, talents, and spiritual gifts needed to fulfill it. The question that will be answered at Christ's judgment seat is, Did I live out my purpose to honor and glorify God?
Standing before Christ's judgment seat is something to look forward to. We need not fear, since we are beloved co-heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17, 34). Because of His sacrifice, we have a right to the treasures of heaven. He is eager to bestow them as a reward for faithfulness and obedience.
From Dr. Charles Stanley & www.intouch.org.
Today's Bible Verse...
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.—1 Chronicles 16:11
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
After
restoring the presence of God to his people through the Ark of the
Covenant, David and Asaph gave them these verses as a song to
perpetually remind them of the importance of seeking God because ... our
strength is found in him ... our grace is from his loving presence ...
and our hope is in seeing him face to face and knowing him even as we
are known by him. We must look to the Lord and not seek our own way or
follow our own path.
My Prayer...
O Lord, I know you created me uniquely as you fashioned me
in my mother's womb. Yet I know I can never have the freedom or
creativity in my life that you long for me to discover, unless I first
seek you and your strength. Please bless me with the assurance of your
nearness as I seek you with all of my heart and use my abilities in
creative ways to bring you glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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