2 Corinthians 5:8-10
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 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, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Paul remained bold in the face of death because he knew for certain that heaven was a much better place. On one hand, he wanted to remain on earth to finish the work that he was entrusted to do by the Lord, but on the other hand, he looked forward to quickly return home to be with the Lord. His heart longed to be with God, and that helped him overcome any fear of death of sicknesses. 1 John 4:18 says, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love drives out fear." The love that we are referring to here is the love of God. When we truly experience God's love and we respond fully to His love, our faith will have real power.
Our faith is not merely a doctrine of words, but what Paul was referring to was his life testimony. Paul loved the Lord Jesus, and although we cannot see Jesus with our own eyes, in the spiritual realm, we can experience Him by faith. Hence in Galatians 2:20, Paul said, "the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." This statement is so true and not hypocritical at all. What Paul meant was why would it matter even if he had to lay down his life for God? God entrusted Paul with preaching the gospel and verse 9 says, "Whether we are home in the body or away from it, we must make it our goal to please Him." In other words, whether it is life or death, our only desire should be to please the Lord. You and I often feel that we are living for others. At the office, we try to please the boss and the customers. At home, we try to please our spouse, and at church we try to please our brothers and sisters. When can we truly live for ourselves?
The truth is for Christians, the important thing is not how you please others because if you focus on others, you may be bitterly disappointed at the end of the day. One day you and I will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and God will say, "You good and faithful servant, come and share your master's happiness!" At that time, when we see smile of God, our hearts will be truly satisfied!
Pray with Pastor Tong
Lord, I pray that you will help us love you more because the things of this world will pass away and what people like will vanish, but only you are our hope and satisfaction. May you help us seek to please you and follow your will in our lives. I thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!
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