It seemed to me that my motives were in question. Anger welled up in me, surging almost uncontrollably, and as it did, reality receded! What I saw, what I heard, even my thought processes, became skewed by my need to assert myself in an effort to overcome the situation. For a moment, I forgot Who I serve and Who is my security! The issue became ‘me’ for a few moments instead of Him. Does that ever happen to you? Do you lose sight of what’s really going on because you’re feeling besieged, or alone, or unloved, or without support?
Later, as I prayed about my actions in that angry moment, I felt both regret and comfort. I regretted acting the part of a fool and hurting others in a moment of insecurity. I was comforted by the knowledge that in God’s strength, I can stand, and that I need not allow my feelings to rule over me. I searched the Scripture and read this passage in the book of Romans. "If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. … For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. … So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." (Romans 14:8-10, 12, NIV)
Do you see the core truth of those words? The ultimate commendation or criticism comes, not from a spouse, boss, or peer but from Christ Jesus. If our lives are lived to please Him, our need for the plaudits or approval of others is relegated to a secondary place. We must frequently remind ourselves that when we appear before the Lord to give account for our choices, that He will see each and every decision in the full context of our lives. What an amazingly comforting fact.
As human beings we judge the words and actions of others within a very limited time frame. We do not always know or understand the subconscious issues, the fatigue or frustration, the past experiences that are in play in the mind of another. We rise in indignation and wonder “How could he act like that?” “What’s the matter with him?” God knows! His insight is deep. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13, NIV)
So today, I am coming ‘round to ask myself the most important question: “Jerry, is your life focused on pleasing Christ?”
Disciple, would you ask it of yourself today? Others may criticize when we have done our best. Our work may be overlooked, even ignored. Our offer of love may be spurned. Our failures may be held up for all to see by those who hold us in contempt. Our successes may be corrupted by selfishness that we hope we have concealed. Yet, in each and every situation, it is the commendation or judgment of Christ that matters most; and His evaluation is always perfect because He sees the full context of it all!
Take this word from the Word with you today.
"So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." (2 Corinthians 5:9-10, NIV)
"Remember, there is only one foundation, the one already laid: Jesus Christ. Take particular care in picking out your building materials. Eventually there is going to be an inspection. If you use cheap or inferior materials, you’ll be found out. The inspection will be thorough and rigorous. You won’t get by with a thing. If your work passes inspection, fine; if it doesn’t, your part of the building will be torn out and started over. But you won’t be torn out; you’ll survive—but just barely." (1 Corinthians 3:11-15, The Message)
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