The Reason We Are Here

September 11, 2020

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 NLT

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT

When we think of eternity we typically fast forward to heaven and rewards. But in 2 Corinthians 5:10 we learn that ALL of us as believers will stand before Christ to receive His evaluation of what we did with our lives. Evil is not just doing bad things—it’s neglecting the good things. It’s not fulfilling the reason God has us here.

Does that make you uncomfortable when you think of standing for evaluation before Christ? God Himself, the One who gave up everything for you? If you are thinking correctly, you want to be well prepared for that moment.  

Happily, God has provided a plan for us so we can be. He created us, He saved us, and He has a job for us to do. The reason God has left us here instead of taking us home to heaven is so we can do what He planned for us long ago. He created us as masterpieces but not to be trophies on a shelf. He recreated us and made us new in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things He planned for us before we were even born.

First in the list of good things He has planned for us is to take part in fulfilling His mission. He wants us to succeed, and He believes in us. He has entrusted us with the mission of bringing people into His family and life eternal. He loves us and is committed to us, but His plan includes the whole world. He wants everyone to come into a right and eternal relationship with Him. He calls us to partner with Him.

Let’s go back to that day when you stand before Jesus. Who would you like to find there besides Jesus? Dream with me a minute. You have neighbors, acquaintances, friends, family. They have connections; people they love who would want to know Jesus if they discovered how He changes lives. Picture the influence you could have on the people you want to see there. Now picture them and the people they in turn influenced, all standing before Jesus, joyful and grateful to see you because of the part you played in them being there. That dream can be reality. It’s why you are here.

•  Pray: Ask God to fill you with the power of the Holy Spirit to make that dream come true as you obey His command and fulfill the mission. Go for it! You will never be the same, and you will be filling heaven with people for whom Jesus died.