I am one that believes you get what you are due based on the work that you do. I do not feel as though we are due something just for existing or showing up. Society it seems, based on what I see and experience, believe that we are “owed” something for just being there.
This passage gave me some trouble this morning and only after reading the commentary and moving some things around was I able to put things together. Only taking one view of something may not provide the proper perspective for our understanding and therefor I have to take a look at multiple angles. On a regular basis as I read and study, I find myself taking this similar approach to gain understanding and this morning it certainly provided that view for me.
“10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 9So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:10-9 (ESV)
Yes, I put the verses in reverse order. And I did it for a reason. Paul indicates that “we make it our aim to please him”. My question is, why? And verse 10 provides that answer as I am looking this morning. So why not reverse them and provide the why before the action.
We are to “appear before the judgment seat of Christ”, so why not prepare for that appearance with our pleasing of Him. We receive what is due and the due based on our actions, and therefore shouldn’t my actions be directed to please Him.
I am accountable for the actions that I take and in order to get something in return, I am required to do the work. My purpose is to please the LORD and when I take that on and do the actions needed to realize my purpose, my time at “the judgment seat of Christ” will be rewarded based on those actions.
When you look at what you receive, are you getting without giving? Are you looking for the reward without taking the actions? What if you were to please God based on the anticipation of going “before the judgment seat of Christ”?
Trevor's Thoughts 