"For everyone of us will have to stand
without pretence before Christ our Judge, and we shall be
rewarded for what we did when we lived in our bodies whether
it was good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10. "Judgement:
the inevitability of a reckoning." "To every soul
there is a day of reckoning."
We are all and always under judgement - of God,
of other people and of ourselves. A sense of coming judgement
should enliven our consciences, produce sensitivity to the
needs of our common humanity; a persuasion for good conduct;
and an acceptance of responsibility and liability for others.
We live in a world good for some, bad for many more.
The Christian is to be an example to other people in selflessness,
honesty, generosity and sympathy. He should be seen as one
who is anxious to live for Jesus and to think and act as He
would in his personal and community relationships. But regrettably,
he can be a poor example in Christian living. This happens
when Christian values are discounted and lesser standards
substituted.
The judgement of God
There is no hiding from Him who will call us to account for
our words and deeds. His judgement will be fair, just and
merciful. Jesus demonstrated that in His treatment of people
- their abilities and strengths; weaknesses and inadequacies.
"For the love of God is broader than
the measure of man's mind, And the heart of the Eternal is
most wonderfully kind."
When we think of the judgement of God it should not be fearfully,
for God is good. But we must not presume on His goodness for
there is what has been called the other side of God's love,
the wrath of God against sin and the sinner who refuses to
repent of his sins and to seek the divine forgiveness. It
is always generous for God always desires the good of people.
It is said in John 3:16 that:
"....God loved the world so much
that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in
Him should not be lost, but should have eternal life. You
must understand that God has not sent His son into the world
to pass sentence upon it, but to save it through Him."
The objectives of the Gospel is to reiterate
the realities - the corruption of humanity; their redemption
by the work and worth of Jesus Christ. Martin Luther said:-
"The sweetness of the Gospel lies
mostly in pronouns, as me, my, thy, 'Who loved me and gave
Himself for me.'"
Just as by choice people have faith in Christ
so by refusal they reject him and that refusal means that
condemnation is self inflicted.
The judgement of others
Our lives are governed by laws and customs of the society
in which we live. We are required to meet the demands it makes
upon us. Most people find that no great hardship for they
are worthy citizens willing to share and work for the common
good.
The Gospel lays emphasis on the duty of the Christian to
be a good citizen. He is responsive to it when he does what
he can to break down the barriers which divide people by class,
creed, colour, sex or race.
St. Paul states the position:
"Gone is the distinction between Jew
and Greek, slave and free man, male and female - you are all
one in Christ Jesus." Galations 3:28.
Christians are judged on how they resemble Christ. When they
impress people they are like Him in their attitude to and
treatment of others.
When they repel people it is because they misrepresent Him
and hurt Him.
The judgement of self
Conscience persuades us to do what is lawful and right and
not to shame ourselves. The Christian is always examining
himself to ensure that he lives responsive to the leading
of Christ, aware of what is expected of him as a Christian.
He judges himself. His judgement of others should be charitable.
"The most generous and merciful upon
the faults of others, are always the most free from fault
themselves." Aughey.
But when all is said the primary necessity is
to recognise that we are under the judgement of God. To get
right with God is our constant need, other relationships are
best when based on that pivotal relationship.
Rev. Canon Dr. S.E. Long
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