So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:9-10 NIV
When I was employed, we would have annual performance appraisals where my manager would evaluate my job performance for the past year. If I had performed below expectations, there would be some consequences. And if I exceeded expectations, that might be a reward. At the same time, we would also look ahead to the following year, setting goals for personal development.
That goal-setting and performance appraisal process is similar to what Paul says in these verses. Paul knew that one day he would stand before Christ for an appraisal of the life he had lived. And he had set a goal. The goal of pleasing God in everything he did, whether in this life or the life to come.
As believers, we like to think of judgment as something that awaits unbelievers. But Paul makes it clear here that as believers, we will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. This judgment is not to determine our eternal destiny, whether heaven or hell. But we will be held accountable for how we have lived as believers and for what we have done with what He has given us. And we will be rewarded accordingly.
So, join with Paul in making it your goal to be pleasing to God in all you do. It matters. Not just in this life. But throughout eternity.
