Biblical Success - Running Our Race - Run for Eternal Successናሙና

Yesterday, we discussed that Jesus will be ”testing” the works we have built on the foundation He provides for us. Eternally speaking, it is the only foundation that really matters, and our works that pass through His judgment will last eternally.

“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” I Corinthians 3:11-15 NKJV

We will carry nothing physical with us from this world. Not our money. Not our home(s) or cars. Not our diplomas. Not our reputation with this world. Nothing material. Nothing carnal or worldly. We leave all that stuff behind where it will eventually burn up. “Only one life soon to be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”

What is it that we “do” for Christ? We Trust and OBEY Him. We will choose to strive to know Him, do His will, and live our lives according to His plan. Will we do it perfectly? No! No way! Only one man ever has, but He is our model. His spirit will guide us to grow more and more to be like him as we journey or “run the race set before us.” He doesn't demand or expect perfection, but He loves and will reward a heart set to know and do His will.

We have many different roles and relationships in our lives, and God has a plan and a way to live in them all. We will always have all that we need to live in His will and do all He asks.

For instance, the single most important relationship we will ever have is as son or daughter of God, a part of His eternal plan in Christ. Every single thing we do that matters flows from our relationship with the Father. Like all healthy relationships, our relationship with our Father will require nurturing through investing significant time and intentional effort. Success as a Christian will not be accidental or “just happen.”

Many will not be willing to make the investment. Too many will show up for their "performance review" with Jesus virtually empty-handed and be shocked to learn that they have lived good lives but that they have missed God’s best. Most will settle for being less fruitful than they could have been and forfeit rewards that God intended for them. They will have traded them for lesser, worldly things that have value in this world but none in heaven.

Eternal Success as a Christian is our choice, the ball is in our court. We ARE saved. We have stepped onto the track and begun to run the Race that God sets before us.” God has already made His choice and provided all we will need for eternal success. We must choose to use it.

The judgment of the “works” of the believer is a universal biblical promise, not an option. It is for ALL, as in

“For we must ALL appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” (II Corinthians 5:10, Romans 14:12, John 6:27a)

It doesn’t fit well with what Bonhoeffer called “cheap Grace,” but it is a promise to us all. The question is will we be ready? It will NOT be a judgment for salvation. That is settled, but it will be an evaluation of what we did with the most costly gift ever given ever to anyone.

Does this sound harsh? Too hard? Well, how hard was it for Jesus to die for us? He's not asking us to die for Him but to live for Him. Life's best life will be found in the center of God's will. That's what Jesus calls us to, God's best. No, it is not always easy, but it is always best! Press on!