“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. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences” (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).
Bottom line, you may think about what your neighbor is thinking and doing, but the only one you know anything about for sure is yourself. This is not a call to be narcissistic, but to work on the only one you can do anything about, namely yourself, and provide a witness of the truth that the Lord is in you. Be guided by the goodness of the Lord, do your part and live in the clear conscience the Lord gives.
Lord, I know one day I shall stand before you. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I may be found having lived life seeking to obey all that You command. Help me to not live in fear (though it is appropriate to have the fear of the Lord), but in love which You have demonstrated first. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth and thereby allow me to be witness of Your love in me.
Lord Jesus, You are the judge of the living and the dead. You have come to pave the way, but then You will also be the One who will meet each one of us on the great and terrible day of judgment. You know the way I need to go. Lead me, Lord, and grant me a heart that willingly follows. Guide me, O Lord, in the way of truth that I may follow You all the days of my life doing what is pleasing in the Father’s eyes. Amen.
