READ: 2 TIMOTHY 4:4-8
God assesses the
services, commitment, love and sacrifices of His children regularly. He is the
greatest and fairest examiner. Right from the time of creation, God is
introduced as the unbiased Examiner. After each work of creation, the Lord
awarded grades accordingly. Unlike earthly examiner who would assess you
strictly on performance, God considers other factors behind your performance,
before awarding you marks. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, we are enjoined to examine
ourselves. Many Christians would prefer to get to Heaven before knowing their
score card. This is dangerous because it is possible they have not met Heaven’s
criteria all their years on earth. Also, they will not be able to make amends
in heaven. For some, the way they handled God’s business could rob them of Heaven,
hence the need for self examination.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, look not on his countenance or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him; for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
God’s yardsticks for assessing us are very different from man’s. Some people we hold in the highest regard on earth are not worth the least regard before God. Since God is the final Examiner and Judge, we are duty bound to be acquainted with the criteria He has laid down in the Bible and to satisfy them. In Revelation 4:14-19, we understand we can receive our score card on earth so that we can make amends. After several years of serving God, the church of Laodicea assessed their activities and gave themselves good grades. They said they were vibrant, rich, increased, and had no need. To help them, the Lord released their score card which showed they were lukewarm, wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. They gave themselves ‘excellent’ but Heaven gave them ‘fail.’ What is your score card like? Do you take time to ask God to show you your score card in love, forgiveness, giving, service, prayer, faithfulness, evangelism, obedience, etc? If God would announce to the world that creating man without the woman was below average, He will show you your score card. Ask Him and make amends today. If this is properly and regularly done, you can have a fair idea like Apostle Paul, of your reward and placement in Heaven.
“But the LORD said to Samuel, look not on his countenance or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him; for the LORD sees not as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).
God’s yardsticks for assessing us are very different from man’s. Some people we hold in the highest regard on earth are not worth the least regard before God. Since God is the final Examiner and Judge, we are duty bound to be acquainted with the criteria He has laid down in the Bible and to satisfy them. In Revelation 4:14-19, we understand we can receive our score card on earth so that we can make amends. After several years of serving God, the church of Laodicea assessed their activities and gave themselves good grades. They said they were vibrant, rich, increased, and had no need. To help them, the Lord released their score card which showed they were lukewarm, wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. They gave themselves ‘excellent’ but Heaven gave them ‘fail.’ What is your score card like? Do you take time to ask God to show you your score card in love, forgiveness, giving, service, prayer, faithfulness, evangelism, obedience, etc? If God would announce to the world that creating man without the woman was below average, He will show you your score card. Ask Him and make amends today. If this is properly and regularly done, you can have a fair idea like Apostle Paul, of your reward and placement in Heaven.
MEMORIZE: 1
TIMOTHY 6:12 –Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereto
you are also called, and have professed a good profession before many
witnesses.
