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PROGRAM D-7668
The Day is the Judgment Seat of Christ, whereas believers, we will stand before God to give an account of how we used our money, our time, and our talents—how much we’ve done that has really mattered for eternity. But we need to know what is going to be important on The Day, what God will reward us for. We saw we will receive rewards for longing for the appearance of Jesus and for enduring persecution. Here’s another one:
- Persevering under trials.
James 1:12 –
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial. Because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
There are all kinds of tests that come our way as we are living in this world. Some of you are going through some tests right now, no doubt. It could be you’ve lost your job and it’s a financial test. Maybe you’re facing a health issue, and it’s a physical test. Perhaps there is a serious relationship issue in your life that is testing you. I know a dear believer who is battling chronic depression, and he is being severely tested.
We surely don’t understand why these tests come our way, and we don’t enjoy them, but if we stand up under the test, refusing to abandon our faith, trusting God when nothing in us feels like trusting God, clinging to his promises against all hope, we will be so glad we did on The Day, because we’ll receive the crown of life. I think of so many Christians who have given up when a test came along. They feel God has not treated them fairly, and they don’t persevere under the trial. On The Day they will regret it.
- Investing for eternity
Matthew 6:19-20 –
“Do not store up treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
If we live for The Day, we will be sending treasures on ahead of us and they will be there for us when we arrive! That includes how we spend our money here on earth, as well as our time and energy. Are you investing your life for eternal rewards? What does your bank account in heaven look like? I hope it’s a lot fatter than your earthly bank account, because that is what will matter on The Day.