Sometimes events occur which make us more acutely aware than usual that we must face the judgment seat of Christ. Some brother or sister may die prematurely of an accident or world events may build to a crisis that seems ready to explode into the end of this age.
We are not without warning that the day of account may come with great suddenness: “Verily, I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled” (Matt. 24:34). Are we not “this generation” spoken of by Christ? Have we not been warned of the danger of our hearts being overcharged with the cares of this life so we are caught unprepared?
Frequent strong warnings
Jesus, in explaining the parable of the sower to his disciples says: “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matt. 13:22).
Paul warns: “The night is far spent, the day is at hand; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, let us put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12).
James admonishes: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded” (James 4:8).
Let us not make the mistake of neglecting to apply these words to ourselves. Don’t you know that if God were to count iniquity, not one of us would stand? Have you not read that a wise man loveth reproof? If we receive the word of reproof as a welcome weapon in the fight against sin’s flesh, then we realize just how difficult a fight we face; but if we resent reproof, we are asleep to our own danger.
Prepare for Christ’s coming
We all know that Christ is coming to establish the Kingdom of God on earth and that the faithful of all ages will become kings and priests with him. It takes very little thought to realize that if we are not faithful in the little things, then we cannot be trusted with larger matters. God is preparing us for His kingdom. He requires a tried faith.
Look at the parable of the pounds in Luke 19:13-27. We must be doers of the Word, and not hearers only. If we do not constantly put the word into practice, what will keep us from temptation? If a man does not constantly observe the traffic rules, will he not be caught as an offender? And who is the one who becomes the offender but he who is careless about keeping the rules, and violates them when he thinks he can get away with it?
Forgetting is a danger
James indicates that a critical difference between the faithful and unfaithful is the element of forgetfulness: “whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but doer of the word, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25).
How often have we seen children fail to carry out a command of their parents simply because they wanted to finish what they were doing. When they are ready to obey, they have forgotten the instruction they were given. Are we not like children before our Heavenly Father? Doesn’t He see our going and coming, our rising up and sitting down? Doesn’t He see those who faithfully carry out His will, keeping their priorities straight and their goal clear and vivid? And doesn’t He see those who always have to finish a worldly task before they can be bothered to do what God commands?
What good is it if we put off the work of the Truth while we pursue worldly goals if Christ comes suddenly? What good is a fancy car or beautiful home if that’s all we have to offer for our efforts at the judgment seat?
Maybe we had always intended to serve God more fully after we finished our own activities. But what happens if our life is cut short or if the Lord comes suddenly? What return will he receive on the “pounds” he has given us to multiply?
We can be so busy, absorbed in the cares of this life, that we forget what it means to give wholehearted service to God.
Obedience not always fun
In the keeping of God’s commands we necessarily suffer the chastening of the Lord; by avoiding His commands through the reasoning of the flesh, we can avoid this chastening. But Jesus said that the servant which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself shall be beaten with many stripes.
Remember Matt. 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God…and all these things shall be added unto you.” When we try to turn this verse around and seek first the things of this world, we will not find favor in God’s sight.
A good guide
If we turn to I Timothy 2, we read a good guide for our behavior in the Lord. Here we are exhorted to pray for the salvation of all men to come to a knowledge of God. We also read an exhortation to sisters to clothe themselves in modest dress and to practice behavior as becomes women professing godliness. Carefully broided hair and fancy jewelry will not do them any eternal good. But ministering to the saints in cheerfulness and love will clothe them with the virtuous character that the Lord will be looking for at the judgment.
Following these exhortations carefully in our day-to-day life will more fully prepare us for the day of our Lord’s coming.
The Scripture is a continual source of encouragement to the disciple and a constant discouragement to the inclinations of the carnal mind.
Let us prepare ourselves for the day that is ahead by prayerfully reading His word and doing it.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One