The Judgment Seat of Christ

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Romans 14:9-10)

It doesn’t matter how much money you have, what title you hold, or what grand deeds you have done. All of us will stand before God’s judgment seat. No one is exempt. No one can evade the moment when they will stand before God. No one will be there with you. It will be a deeply personal moment with the One who knows your every thought, deed, and motive. In that moment, you won’t have any of your earthly status, possessions, or awards. It will simply be you and the Savior evaluating your life.

Also, notice what Paul penned within this revelation: "Why do you judge your brother? Or why do you despise your brother?”

One thing we will be judged on is how we judged others. Are we quick to judge our brothers and sisters? Or do we show them the love and mercy that Christ has shown us? We are called to live a life that honors God, loves others, and seeks to build up, not tear down.

We all will stand before a judgment seat. For believers, the judgment seat of Christ is the place of reward for what you’ve done in this life. God won’t condemn us of our wrongs because our sins have been wiped out by the blood of Jesus, but He will reward believers who followed Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Live your life so on that day you will hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Practical Application

When you are tempted to judge someone for their actions, reactions, or way of doing things, pause and think about how God had mercy on you. Decide to speak, act, and think the way love acts. Ask yourself, “How can I sow God’s love into this situation?”

2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 4:5

What does Wisdom Say?

Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise. (Proverbs 20:1)

Proverbs 20:1 isn't about condemnation, nor is it talking about something that would send someone to hell. It’s not talking about sin; it’s talking about wisdom. As mature Christians, desiring to please God and grow in our faith, we need to understand the amazing value of wisdom! This proverb advises believers to examine their choices and make decisions based on God's truth rather than their own desires. Wise living means having an ability to see the consequences of daily decisions.

So, what about drinking alcohol? I have been to places in Europe where they put wine on the table next to me with my food. I do not get upset at them or try to put my personal convictions upon them. I simply don’t drink it. I want to be wise and have the full capacity to use my mind with no hindrances, so I do not drink alcoholic beverages.

When I visit other countries with different cultures, my goal is to respect the people and not judge them based on my beliefs. During my trip to the Middle East, I saw horse flies surround the food made by a pastor's wife because of nearby animals. Now, in those nations, if you do not eat what is prepared for you or placed before you, it would be a great insult to the host. Although it was not my preference and a part of me was disgusted with the flies on and around the food, I simply smiled and swatted the flies away as I ate. My purpose was to honor those around me.

As mature Christians, we must have discernment and understanding as we live a life that honors God first and others second. We should walk in wisdom and in honor.

Practical Application

Are there things you do that you have made an excuse for, but wisdom says you shouldn’t do? Where are you allowing open doors for the enemy to enter that you could avoid if you followed wisdom? Decide to submit to the wisdom of God’s Word and the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Use wisdom and live 100 percent for God.

Proverbs 31:4; Hosea 4:11

Honoring God’s Diversity

He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. (Romans 14:6)

Different Christians have their own convictions about customs, practices, and traditions. For example, not everyone who believes in Jesus Christ celebrates Christmas the same way, but that's okay. Paul, however, reminded us here in Romans 14:6 that our worship and practices should be unto the Lord, not unto our personal traditions.

In the times of the early church, believers grappled with questions about specific practices: What day should we set apart for worship? What should we eat or not eat? Throughout his epistles, Paul gave guidance to help with those questions.

Paul emphasized that what matters most is not what specific customs or practices we individually adhere to, but that our devotion is to the Lord. For those who observe certain days or dietary restrictions, they need to ensure they are doing so as unto the Lord. In the same way, those who do not adhere to these traditions also do so as unto the Lord.

In some countries, it’s traditional to drink a glass of beer or wine with the meal at church, or after the church service. They pray over it; they thank God for it. So, when I get invited to speak in some of these countries, they have set the same in front of me and then said, “Oh wait a minute. You are an American Pentecostal Christian.” They respect my culture and put it away for me. That’s what Paul was talking about.

Remember that our diversity of traditions does not mean we should be divided. We may have varying customs, traditions, or convictions, but our shared foundation is that we all worship Christ and glorify Him as Lord.

Practical Application

How can you honor someone that doesn’t have the same background as you? How can you extend mercy and love to those around you this week in practical ways?

2 Timothy 2:23; 1 Timothy 6:20