Reflecting God's Image

Daily Devotional November 16th

“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
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Not to begin the week off on a morbid note, but have you thought about what you would do with your day if you knew that it was your last? If you’re like me the idea of life’s brevity and uncertainty aren’t subjects you dwell on; however, this morning I was reminded through my devotional reading that life should be lived every day with intentionality. It’s easy to get caught up in our thinking about all the things on our ‘to do’ list. We allow the noise of the important to drown out the urgent.

The Bible makes it clear that when an individual enters into a relationship with God they become citizens of heaven. The Holy Spirit is given to each of us as assurance: the life we know here and now is entirely temporary. Paul tells us that once we have left this earthly realm, we will be given new bodies that are suited to a life of eternity in heaven. It’s a wonderful promise. But what of the present? If we know what’s coming is best, what should our view of the here and now be? As a people whose citizenship is in heaven, we are called to serve God as ambassadors in this foreign world–earth.

When people look at Christians–God’s ambassadors–they should at least catch a glimpse of the Lord we serve, the Holy Spirit who resides within, children of God growing in grace and love. As we mature in our faith, that reflection should grow to the point of irrepressibility–the ‘glow’ of heaven’s light should shine brightly in and through us.
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Dear Christian friend, is this true of you? Can people actually learn about the God you serve simply by watching you? I have been challenged by this thought and the best way I can think of to ensure this reality is to treat this life as though it could be over...today...and to live accordingly. We all need times in our lives to refocus–reminders of what is truly important. What we do in this life matters. One of the ways to live a truly meaningful life as God’s children is to remember Paul’s words above, “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” Should you find yourself still on planet earth in your physical body at the end of this day, I pray that both you and I will have accomplished good work for which we will be rewarded...and every day, before God takes us home.
~ Pastor Jane