A LONG-RANGE GOAL GIVES MEANING TO LIFE
The Bible says:
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).
In the long run, we will all see Jesus and give account of how we managed these bodies of ours. He has given us instructions for living, and we will be evaluated on the basis of them. We will do well to prepare for that day.
GIVING ACCOUNT
A few years ago, I received an official-looking envelope in the mall. It was from the United States Government, inviting me to appear before the Internal Revenue Service to give account of what I had done with my money for the three previous years.
There was nothing to fear, because I had retained the services of a competent CPA who had guided me across the years in properly accounting for the use of my money and paying taxes as necessary.
After a very thorough review, the IRS announced that we had made some errors and were entitled to a $500 refund.
So it will be when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ. There is nothing to fear if we have managed our lives as He instructed us. Be assured that we will be judged according to His commandments.
When Moses died, it is recorded that God gave Joshua some specific instructions as he took over the leadership of the Israelites:
Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go (Joshua 1:7).
King Solomon, who tried everything under the sun, came to the following conclusion:
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. Because God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
In his first letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul advised:
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15).
The central theme of this book is knowing and obeying God’s commandments. One reason for this emphasis is the fact that one day we will be judged according to them.
In the meantime, keeping them leads to joy and blessing. They keep us from stumbling, give insight and understanding of righteousness, and will make our way prosperous and help us to have good success. For the long run, here is a good goal:
Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on the earth (Colossians 3:2).