Works That Will Last

Scripture – 1 Peter 4:17-19: For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Observation – What does judgment look like for the family of God? Salvation is assured. We have eternal life in the bank because Christ has secured that for us. So how will we be judged? I think our works will come under scrutiny. As we have lived faithfully, have we done things that matter for eternity? Some of what we call “ministry” is little more than busy-work. We do a lot of things, but how much of it is just to benefit the church as it is and to keep the church as it is? Those efforts don’t have much eternal value, I fear. We are called to mission – to be witnesses to the power and presence of Christ – to be bearers of light in this ever-darkening world.

Application – I will monitor what I do this week and what the church does. How many of my and the church’s efforts are geared toward maintaining the church, and how many look outward to serve the people around us?

Prayer – Lord, you have called us to mission – to continue your ministry in the world as a community of Christian love. Please open us to new ways to do that. Thank you for the assurance of eternal life. Show us now how to be your children, living in ways that would make you proud.