A day of judgment is coming for each of us. What standard will be used in that judgment? Will it be the laws of the state of Texas? Or our nation’s Constitution? Perhaps the Humanist Manifesto? Jesus made clear what will be the standard of judgment. In John 12:48 He said:
“He who rejects me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” [NKJV]
We would expect that Jesus, the very Son of God, would be a principle consultant on man’s judgment. He was the redeeming sacrifice, the price paid to satisfy the justice of Jehovah, the God of Justice, Deuteronomy 32:4, Isaiah 45:21.
In His powerful Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chapters 5-7, we find some clear statements, words by which we shall be judged. They are clearly stated and easily understood.
THE FORMULA FOR A HAPPY LIFE MAY SOUND STRANGE
In Matthew 5:1-12 He states that genuine joy and happiness will be accompanied by meekness, purity of heart – mourning and persecution! How can these ingredients result in joy? When properly blended together and “baked”, a contented life confidently awaits Christ’s “well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy Lord,” Matthew 25:21.
CHRISTIANS WILL INFLUENCE THE LIVES OF OTHERS
In Matthew 5:13-16 Jesus obligates His disciples, Christians, to be the “salt of the earth…light of the world.” Few elements are more invasive in our daily lives than salt and light. Salt can flavor, preserve, even destroy. Light dispels darkness, illuminates an area and aids us in seeing the safe way. Neither salt nor light best serve when undue attention is attracted. Too much salt is not good, and when light is in our eyes, sight can be hindered. We would do well to examine our life and our impact on others.
THE RIGHT THING CAN BE DONE FOR A WRONG REASON
Jesus rebuked those whose prayers and good deeds were done to receive the praise of men. Matthew 6:1-18 says our motives must fit our acts, and that merely offering up memorized prayers is a sign of hypocrisy. The right things must be done in the right way and for the right reason, Matthew 6:16.
JESUS’ DISCIPLES HAVE THEIR PRIORITIES IN ORDER
In Matthew 6:21 Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” He even says we must put His kingdom first in our life, 6:33. When we fail to do so we cease to be Jesus’ disciple and we serve only ourselves. There must be more to our life than money, power or applause from man. Can any of us say that we truly put God’s will first on our list of priorities? That is an honorable goal for all of us to seek. He has promised to provide what we need if we will “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” Matthew 6:33. Yes, Jesus said it – and a wise, rational person will believe it!
WHY NOT TRY LIVING ONE DAY AT A TIME!
We humans are prone to “borrow trouble” at times. Jesus, practical as always, reminds us,
“...do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” [NKJV]
Today will provide enough troubles for us to handle. Let ‘s learn how to live one day at a time.
JUDGING OTHERS IS A DANGEROUS PASTIME
Yes, there are plenty of judgments we must make in our lifetime. We must “beware of false prophets,” Matthew 7:15, which requires making some judgment calls, and in all areas of living we must “judge righteous judgment,” John 7:24. It is when we judge others without looking at our own lives “in the mirror” that we err, Matthew 7:1-5. It is not until we have taken care of our own sin that we stand in a place in which we can honestly judge others. Wisely judging others is not easy, and it can definitely be a “dangerous pastime.”
BEING A CHRISTIAN IS MORE THAN JUST TALK
The gospel makes it clear that faith alone has never been enough. Faith must be blended with doing the “will of the Lord,” Matthew 7:21, James 2:14-26. That’s true of becoming a Christian, as well as remaining a Christian. Note the words of Jesus:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven,” Matthew 7:21. [NKJV]
These and many other words are from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount: The “Golden Rule,” praying for our enemies, the “strait gate” and the “broad way that leads to destruction.” They will stand in judgment of us on that day, Romans 14:12.
