Reward...or Loss? The Choice Is Yours

"If you feel that you have no faults, that makes another one."   -Unknown

Since the very first man and woman, it has always been convenient and guilt-relieving to blame someone else for our actions or circumstances. When cornered by God for breaking the commandment God had given Adam, Adam’s excuse was that Eve gave the forbidden fruit to him, so he ate it (Genesis 3:12).  Eve’s justification for committing the first sin was, “… The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat” (Genesis 3:13). The way out of avoiding guilt is often blaming another for our own transgression, but it does not work.

Husbands quite often blame their wives, when something does not go right around the house. Many wives have used the excuse for not submitting to their husband, “I can’t submit to my husband, because he’s not a good leader.” Teenagers have justified not obeying their parents with the excuse, “My parents aren't saved, so I don’t have to obey them.” Many steal from God (Malachi 3:8) and rationalize their behavior by saying, “I can’t afford to tithe, so God will understand that I don’t give to the local church.” Too many do not go to church with the excuse, “Someone at the church hurt my feelings, so I won’t go there anymore.”

The most famous of excuses heard by many teachers is, “I don’t have my homework, ‘cause the dog ate it.” Ignorance also has been used as an excuse, when it is said; “I didn't know, so it can’t be my fault.” Unfortunately, we all have excuses that we think justify our actions.

However, in a far, forgotten corner, an old, dusty Book whispers a verse that negates all excuses, “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). No matter what our excuse, God’s Word says we will have to give an account for our actions; and another’s actions will not be accepted for our not doing the right thing.

This verse is directed to Christians. It reminds believers, that any excuse that they have for doing or saying the wrong thing will not pardon them from one day giving a personal account before the most perfect Judge ever — God Himself.

For believers all sin is forgiven, and forgotten (Hebrews 10:17). Saved individuals will not be judged for their sin. Their sin was forgiven and forgotten when they received Jesus’ payment for their sins. Christians, however, will be scrutinized by God for what they did or did not do for the Lord.

Here is some of what the Bible says about a Christian’s judgment:

Believers will not be at the White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) for their sins, but they will be judged by Christ:
“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 14:10

Believers will have to give account for their own decisions:
“Who will render to every man according to his deeds:” Romans 2:6
“Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.” I Corinthians 3:8
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” II Corinthians 5:10 (The “bad” is not referring to evil deeds, but those deeds that were worthless, or done for the wrong motives.)
“Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.” Psalm 62:12   Also: II Chronicles 6:30, Romans 14:12, Galatians 6:4-5, Rev. 2:23

All will reap the consequences in this life for doing the wrong thing, no matter their excuse:
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Galatians 6:7
“For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:8
“But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.” Colossians 3:25

All can reap good consequences for doing the right thing:
“Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.” Ephesians 6:8

Believers will receive rewards for doing the right thing or suffer loss for not doing the right thing:
“… Now if any man build upon this foundation [Jesus Christ] gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” I Corinthians 3:11-15
Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:24

Gratefully, not one saved individual will ever have to answer for one of his sins. They were all miraculously paid for when that person accepted Christ’s sacrificial death as payment for his sins. However, every child of God will one day answer for what they did for the cause of Christ after they were saved. Did they sit and sulk, or did they submit and serve? No excuses for not doing what he was required or shown to do will be accepted, when the believer is judged by God! Reward or loss? The choice is yours.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:15; Proverbs 15:13-14; Proverbs 15:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; Jeremiah 29:11; 3 John 1:2

Prayer: Dear Lord, I pray that I can manage my fear and move forward. Please give me the wisdom and strength to do what must be done. Amen

-special thanks to Bill Brinkworth

May God bless you,

Eileen