Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:9,10)
Paul explains here that even though we will see Jesus and have the hope of being resurrected, it is his desire to please the Lord. Many say that is a works mentality and that includes being under the law. Very wrong. Paul sought to please the Lord in the things that he did not only our of love but out of reverence towards God. Paul understood that Believers will be judged on that we do here on earth. Just because we are forgiven doesn’t mean we please God in all that we do. Those who are parents understand that forgiveness is granted to their children just because of the nature of the parent child family relationship. That does not mean that the child is pleasing to the parent in all he does. It does not necessarily mean that each child will have the same rewards given by the parent. Would it be wise of a parent to leave a child who is a wild party person large sums of money? Would not that very inheritance possibly lead to the child’s demise? God knows how to reward us accordingly. We can not live this life in a manner that displeases God and say that because Jesus did it all on the cross that we have a ticket to throw self control to the side. The wages of sin is still death. God did not change since He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The fear of the Lord is the foundation for wisdom. There has to be a balance in the walk that we walk. A balance between grace and truth, love and respect. We need to rightfully divide God’s word and not just take the scriptures that apply to what we feel comfortable with.
God is looking for people this day that have set themselves aside from all unholiness, from the sins that so easily beset us. Many are seeking to be perfected as Jesus was. That is a great goal, and in that goal remember that He was sinless. The only way we can be molded into His image is through knowing that apart from Him we can do nothing and a repentant heart will not be shunned by God.
The Lord says this day,” be ye holy as I am holy”. That holiness is obtained through the power of God’s own Spirit in us. It all goes back to God’s grace in our lives which is His empowerment dwelling within us to do according to His will. Let your greatest desire be, to be like Him.
Pastor Michael Cannatello
TMMC-The Ministry of Michael Cannatello
