Evangelism and rewards of service to God
Evangelism and rewards of service to God
Posted on January 19, 2009 Updated on January 19, 2009
Memorise: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Rev 3:19)
Read: Revelation 3:14-19
Pastor E.ADEBOYE
A senior pastor who has been in ministry for several years thought at a point that he had achieved much for God. One night, the Lord showed him Heaven’s assessment of his performance. He felt ashamed. It looked like he had not started. God assesses the service, commitment, love and sacrifice of His children regularly
. He is the greatest and fairest examiner. Right from the time of creation, God is introduced as the unbiased Examiner. After each work of creation, the Lord awarded grades accordingly. Unlike earthly examiners who would assess you strictly on performance, God considers other factors behind your performance, before awarding you marks.
In 2 Corinthians 13:5, we are enjoined to examine ourselves. Many Christians would prefer to get to Heaven before knowing their score card. This is dangerous because it is possible they have not met Heaven’s criteria all their years on earth. Also, they will not be able to make amends in Heaven. For some, the way they handled God’s business could rob them of Heaven, hence the need for self examination.
“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him; for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).#
God’s yardsticks for assessing us are very different from man’s. Some people we hold in highest regard on earth are not worth the least regard before God. Since God is the final Examiner and Judge, we are duty bound to be acquainted with the criteria He has laid down in the Bible, and to satisfy them.
In Revelation 3:14-19, we understand we can receive our score card on earth so that we can make amends. After several years of serving God, the church in Laodicea assessed their activities and gave themselves good grades. They said they were vibrant, rich, increased, and had no need. But Heaven’s assessment shows they were lukewarm, wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. They gave themselves ‘excellent’ but Heaven gave them ‘fail’.
What is your score card like? Do you take time to ask God to show you your score card in love, forgiveness, giving, service, prayer, faithfulness, evangelism, obedience, etc.? If God would announce to the world that creating man without the woman was below average, He will show you your score card. Ask Him and make amends today. If this is properly and regularly done, you can have a fair idea like Apostle Paul, of your reward and placement in Heaven.
Get your score card on earth, it will lead to a reform. Get your score card in Heaven, it will lead to regret.
