While we live in this earthly tent, we groan with a feeling of oppression; it is not that we want to get rid of our earthly body, but that we want to have the heavenly one put on over us, so that what is mortal will be transformed by life. God is the one who has prepared us for this change, and he gave us his Spirit as the guarantee of all that he has in store for us.

So we are always full of courage. We know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord’s home. For our life is a matter of faith, not of sight. We are full of courage and would much prefer to leave our home in the body and be at home with the Lord. More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there. For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. Each one will receive what he deserves, according to everything he has done, good or bad, in his bodily live.

2 Corinthians 5:4-10

It is certain that we will stand before God. Our works will be evaluated and our reward determined by the Lord. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the assurance that when we die we will be "present with the Lord. Instead of cringing with fear, we can live with joy as we seek to please God and look forward to our heavenly reward. Strive to make your actions and motives worthy, not worthless, on the day you stand before God.

Our salvation depends on what Christ did for us;

our reward depends on how we live for Him.

Our Daily Bread – June 27, 2003