Footsteps #168 

“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” NLT (2Cor.5:10).

This passage is clearly addressed to believers. Even Paul expected to stand before this individual, universal judgment. No one will get a pass–not even Billy Graham or Mother Theresa. If we ask why this should be so, we do not have to go very far for the answer. The absolute injustices of life on earth demand that there shall be a day when right is vindicated and wrong is condemned. How many Christian people have suffered because of motives that were misjudged and actions that were completely misconstrued! How many Christians have lived a whole life of suffering simply because of the damage that has been done to them by somebody else! Many have gone through life with a wound in the soul from which there seems to be no deliverance, no recovery, no forgetfulness! How many have served faithfully and yet have had no recognition, but rather a great deal of abuse! Yes, there is a wonderful comfort in knowing that we must appear before the judgment seat of Christ. And many who have spent a lifetime with a sore heart and a sense of utter frustration may find wonderful solace in the assurance that, among the great things that will happen on that day, right will be vindicated and wrong condemned. But here’s the rest of the verse, “that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” That last phrase is disturbing. What about those fellow believers whom we have gossiped about, misjudged, and wounded? Will your tax return be vindicated after an audit by the Almighty? What about our dark habits and addictions, our phony spirituality, our profligate spending on ourselves while being stingy with the Lord? Movies, internet sites, God has a record of them, and someday you are going to receive what is due you–not in punishment but in levels of reward. Remember the parable Jesus told of the talents? (Read Matt.25:13-30)