Living in the Light of the Judgment Seat - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2026

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
2 Corinthians 5:8-10 NKJV

Living in the Light of the Judgment Seat
If we, like the apostle Paul, lived our lives in the light of the day that is coming, what a difference it would make. It is far easier to sing "Nothing but Christ as on we tread" than it is to live it. To live it means that it will govern what I wear, how I spend my money, where I take my vacation, how I speak to my spouse, and my attitude towards my children. Moreover, it will affect relationships in the home, at the workplace, and in the world, and it will introduce an atmosphere in the assembly that is Christ-honoring. Indeed, this is the mind of Christ.

Having the mind of Christ equips us to face all dangers. It enables us to make the right spiritual decisions. We will then understand with whom we can fellowship and when associations are unscriptural and defiling. True separation and holy living are found only when coupled with affection for Christ and obedience to His Word. Then we will not ask, "What is wrong with this?" but instead we will ask, "What is pleasing to Christ?"

Paul concludes with a word of encouragement: "Having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Cor. 7:1). If we allow God to work out His will in our lives, we then experience the deep peace and joy of fellowship with the Father as we journey through this wilderness. The sorrows or sufferings that we pass through become well worthwhile, for faith looks beyond the present and evaluates everything in the light of eternity.

-- Jacob Redekop