WHAT WILL GOD SAY ABOUT YOUR LIFE?

By Charles N. Spence, Jr.

I have always been impressed with the life of Jesus: how He had compassion on the sick—a deep compassion that moved him to touch their eyes that they may see, speak the word that paralysis would flee from their feeble legs. Yes, He truly was a friend. His love for a departed soul named Lazarus brought him back from the grave. And that same love will bring those of us who die in Him back from the grave at the appointed time. So many of us claim to be followers of Christ, yet we lack the kind of compassion He had for His fellow man. Though we might not have the power to bring to life dead limbs or to turn away the many untreatable diseases that afflict mankind, we do have the ability to touch the heart of someone close to us who is being afflicted: whether by physical disease or by sin. We can help to bring revival to the soul of another by saying a few kind words to him, praying for him or lending to him a hand in time of need.

God has committed us to the task of doing that which is good, not just for ourselves, but for others as well. We may be able to meet all the challenges that come our way, we may be able to prove our various positions by God's word, we may be able to withstand every trial that comes our way, we may be able to quote Scripture, we may be able to think pure thoughts, to have seasoned conversations, and to give as God has prospered us. But unless we have committed ourselves to ALL that God has required us we are less than unprofitable servants (Luke 17:7-10). In regard to what we are supposed to do read Romans 12:1-2. Some of us do not even want to give God what is “reasonable.” Too much of our lives is filled with "was gonna’s" and "intended to’s" to the point that our lives fail to evidence that they have been filled with Christ.

In the Matthew 25:35 Jesus says, “I was hungry and thirsty and YOU,” not meals on wheels, not the church, gave me. “I was a stranger and YOU took me in, naked and YOU,” not a benevolent society, clothed me. “I was sick or in prison and YOU,” not the preacher, visited me, not called or sent a letter, but visited. Now some may think they are exempt from doing the very things God has commanded in His word because their lives are over-burdened. Some may be preoccupied with family, jobs, business, school, worry or world to the point that they just don't have enough time to devote to doing the things that God has laid to their charge. Some may look at such things as teaching the lost, visiting the sick, feeding the poor, etc. as extra things or electives in the Christian curriculum that do not demand as much attention, thus can be considered whenever it is convenient. We often find ourselves making excuses for not doing the things that God expects us to do. When it comes to what God expects, by virtue of what He has commanded, there is not any excuse other than what God has revealed in principle. In 2 Corinthians 8:12 "For if the willingness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.” Also in Galatians 6:10, “Therefore as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially those of the household of faith.” God expects from us that which we are able to do (1 Pet. 4:11). Whatever is humanly possible within the authority of the Lord, we are expected to do. The bottom line is this, God, as He enabled us, expects us to carry out our duty. If some of us would put as much effort into doing what God has instructed and enabled us to do as we do in making excuses, we would be making progress. As Jesus stated in Matthew 6:33, are you seeking first the Kingdom of God?

As indicated by Revelation 14:13, we need to be honest with ourselves, because there will not be any clouding of the issue or changing of the circumstances in the day of Judgement since our works will follow us (See also 2 Cor 5:6-10). Our salvation is not the result of belief alone or saying “Lord, Lord” (Matt. 7:21), but by doing the Fathers will.

When we absent ourselves from the assembly, when we fail to visit a brother or sister in times of illness, when we fail to act upon the needs of a destitute brother or sister or even a non-Christian, keeping in mind how God has enabled us, what are our reasons? Will our reasons excuse us in the day of Judgement? Has God excused us or did we excuse ourselves?

Often we fail to consider the fact that judgement is coming. We must learn to live our lives in light of that fact. (Read Rev. 20:11-15). Knowing that our record will be there, are we living in such a way so that our record will uphold us or condemn us? Though, our righteousness is not based upon our works alone, they must reflect the works of God (Eph. 2:10; John 6:28-29). If you are not doing what the Lord has instructed in His word you have one who Judges you already (John 12:48).

What does the Lord require of us? Have we done it? Are we laboring or ministering according to the ability that God has given? I don't believe that God has given us anything we couldn't handle. Do our lives reflect the life of Christ? Keep in mind, when we were hungry, Jesus Gave us the bread of life. When we were thirsty He gave us living water. When we were strangers He took us in and became a protector and friend. When we were sick, having as it were, our souls afflicted with the disease of sin, he bore the penalty in His own body (1 Pet. 2:24); when we were imprisoned, slaves to sin, having been held captive by its power, Jesus ransomed us by purchasing us with His own blood (Matt. 20:28; Acts 20:28). When we were naked, having our righteousness as filthy rags, he clothed us with Himself (Gal. 3:27). What shall we do to the least of these his brethren (Matt. 25:40)? What will God say about your life knowing that in that day your record will be there?