We Must All Appear Before The Judgment Seat Of Christ

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience.

2 Corinthians 5:1-11

In children’s ministry there are all sorts of ways to hand out things that thank our children for doing what they do. We try to reinforce good behavior rather than focusing on bad behavior.

As believers in Jesus, we will receive rewards one day. The good things we do should be out of love for God and pleasing Him should be our heart’s desire.

When we love God, we make it our aim to please Him who first loved us and to serve Him with pure motives. The best reward will be to be with Him!

Our desire to please God is our highest motive for obeying Him.

Our Daily Bread – November 5, 2013