I said to myself, “God will bring into judgement both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.” Ecclesiastes 3:17
No one likes to be judged. People want to be able to be who they are with no judgement upon them by anyone. Being judged will often imply that one is doing something wrong.
It is very common for people to quickly condemn judgement by someone else. The other person does not understand or is too harsh or too legalistic. It infringes upon personal rights and freedoms.
Solomon realized that there will come a day when God will judge everyone, both the righteous and the unrighteous. They will be judged for what they did or did not do.
Believers are quick to comment that God will judge those who are wicked, but claim that they will not be judged by God, because they are under the grace of Jesus and His forgiveness. However, every person will be judged for what they said and did.
Jesus said that every idle word will be taken into account. There is coming a day of judgement upon every person.
The difference between the righteous and the wicked is that the wicked will be judged for condemnation. Those who are righteous, followers of Jesus, cleansed by His blood, will be judged for their words and actions for a reward in heaven, not for salvation.
Salvation is free and cannot be earned. The actions of a believer determine the rewards in heaven. Will they come out with precious gold and stones or will their deeds burn up as wood, hay and stubble?
Knowing this, the believer should strive to live for God in every area of his life. He should seek to do what is right in God’s eyes and to live a holy life as Christ lived His. With the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, this is possible.
As you go through your days, ask yourself how you are living for God. If God were to judge you by your actions, would they show that you do believe in Jesus or would it show a lack of belief?
While you may never be perfect, there is a striving that one can do. As you learn to love God more, you will also learn to live like Jesus more. Live as though your actions determine your salvation, but believe, knowing that Jesus already paid the price for your salvation, it is a gift.
I pray today that you will know Jesus as your Savior; that God will reveal to you how to live your life; that your actions and words will show you follow Jesus; that you will be more like Jesus each day; and that you will love God with your whole life.
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