Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

2 Corinthians 5:11-13

Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.

Everyone will stand before the judgment seat of Christ one day and be judged. For Christians, when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we become justified by faith and are pardoned from the penalty of death. Although we do not face the judgment of death, God will still judge us for our works. How should believers face this judgment?

First, we must maintain a good conscience. As verse 11 says, "What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience." In other words, we can face God and men calmly, without any darkness in our hearts, and can be an open book.. However, in order to maintain a good conscience, we must ask ourselves in everything we do, "Is what I am doing pleasing to God?" If the answer is yes, we can go ahead and do it. Although we make mistakes in the process, God will eventually lead you back on track.

Secondly, we should not rely on other people's praises. Verse 12 mentions that there are many people who take pride in what is seen rather than what is in the heart. A pastor once said, "Praises of men are like perfume. It may be alright to smell it for a bit, but do not drink it." This is such a wise saying.

Thirdly, do not be too concerned about criticism from others. Verse 13 says, "If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you." Many people thought that Paul was out of his mind back then. The truth is the more you serve, the more you discover that no matter what you do, there will be people who would criticize you. The important thing is to know where the bar is set and what your motivation is, not whether you are criticized or not. When Pastor Moody was shepherding the church in Chicago, his nickname was "Crazy Moody". In the midst of the unbelieving generation, he was indeed like a lunatic. However, as time passed, he became an example for preaching the gospel. Today no one remembers those who criticized him, but appreciate what he has done for God. Let you and I prepare ourselves to face the judgment of God!

Pray with Pastor Tong

Lord, I thank you because you are not only the Lord who saves us, but the Lord who judges. May you release me from the bondage of other people's opinions of me, and help me to live with a clean conscience before you. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!