Christ’s Assessment
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)
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Christ’s Assessment
When we appear before Christ’s judgment seat we are in heaven and have been glorified. There is no presence of sin.
This is an assembly of the righteous (Psalm 1:5) where we all are now holy and blameless and beyond reproach. (Colossians 1:22)
We appear before Christ for Him, our Lord, to assess our deeds. He will assess the deeds of the righteous, those saved for eternity. It is our deeds, not our salvation, that will be judged. We have already been saved.
Christ will be assessing whether our deeds are good or worthless. All the translations I reviewed said “good or bad,” but the Hebrew word translated “bad” here means: “easy, slight, ordinary, mean, worthless, of no account.” I had always interpreted this verse as meaning Christ would assess whether my deeds were righteous or sinful. But when we, believers, appear before Christ’s judgment seat we are in heaven, there is no presence of sin, and we are holy, blameless, and beyond reproach.
We’ll be assessed whether our deeds were worthwhile or worthless.
My Assessment
During this time of year, I typically review the year about to close to identify what I did “well” or not so well. I look for what I need to stop, what I should strengthen, and what I should start. I develop goals and plans for the next year.
This year I am trying to assess whether my deeds were good or worthless. What might I have done that the Lord will judge as good, and for which I will receive a reward? What should I do in 2020 that the Lord will reward?
I, of course, am not qualified to judge as He does, but there are indications we can use as we strive to hear from our Lord: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
One criteria is whether we are building on Christ as the foundation. Ask ourselves whether we were building on Christ as the foundation or whether we are relying on our “natural” strengths and desires.
For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 3:11)
Another criteria is our motives. When we are doing something, are we hoping for recognition and honor from humans, or are we doing it for the Lord?
Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. … [if your motive is to] be honored by men, [Then] Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.” (Matthew 6:1-2)
Have we been faithful with what He has given us?
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master. (Matthew 25:21)
Other criteria are indicated throughout the Bible.
This gives me a different perspective on my entire Christian life. I want so much to hear my Lord say to me: “Well done.”
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Father, help me build on the foundation that is Jesus Christ, rely on my Lord and not myself, and look solely for His reward, not human recognition. Help me please You and serve Christ.
