Judge Now
October 2017 – Grace & Truth Magazine
Judge Now
How often, when we are working and a boss comes in, does our behavior improve or the quality of the work get better? In the meantime we may think that no one will notice. I am reminded of a cartoon I saw many years ago of two men talking in front of the leaning Tower of Pisa as it was being built. The one man said to the other something like, “I saved a lot on the foundation, but no one will ever know.”
Many building collapses and structural failures are blamed on poor materials or workmanship. The collapse of an eight-lane highway bridge in the United States ten years ago was in large part caused by critical parts being only half of the needed thickness. Sadly, no action was taken to correct the situation before 13 people died and 145 were injured.
We have the opportunity now to evaluate our spiritual walk and make changes. The standard against which we can accurately compare our condition is the Word of God. We need to be reading it carefully, thinking about what we read and applying it to our lives. It is possible now to live and work for our Lord in a manner that is more pleasing to Him, doing what is of value in His sight.
It is important to keep the whole picture in our sight. We often tend to live day to day for the here and now, failing to consider eternal aspects. Repeatedly, God brings these things before us as they are interwoven into every moment of our lives. “Do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31 NKJV) does not allow some for Him and others for ourselves.
May we ask ourselves the questions, “Would what I am doing now change if I knew someone was watching?” and “Should I say or do this in a better manner?” The Lord is watching and noting all, and there is a day when we will have to give Him an account of what we have done today! How will that go for you? For myself, I am already ashamed of many things I can recall to my mind.
Incredibly, the Lord’s judgment is not to put us down. Rather, it is for the purpose of getting glory for Himself. Yes, He will be glorified through us! The idea of being judged by Him may seem scary, but I think you will be encouraged by this month’s articles as I was. May He use them for your blessing.
By Paul Alberts