1 Corinthians 4:5 – “He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.”
As Believers we want to ‘appear good’ to others, more so in and around the premises of the church, because we are surrounded by other Believers. It is not only that we put on our ‘good behaviour’ faces. It could also be that we felt God’s presence in the worship that we just finished in spirit and truth. We are then surrounded by God’s grace, favour and fresh anointing, which leads to our attitudes of love to one another. But, as we go through our daily stresses – deadlines, submissions, boss’ temper or reaction, children’s misbehavior, lies, insubordination, anger – and there are a host of other things, our attitude of love dwindles without God’s support that we receive when we go to Him. Do we go to Him everyday to replenish our divine love level that we can share with others?
If we don’t do our part, is it right that we pronounce judgment before the time? Time for what you say? Time when the Lord comes. He will then bring to light the things, now hidden in darkness, and will disclose the purposes of our hearts. At that time, each one will receive their commendation from God.
Paul was concerned only about his own reputation; he only aimed to please men and that would not prove him as a faithful servant of Christ. It is of comfort to know that men will not be our final judges. Also, we will not judge ourselves well, or we may justify ourselves to prove us safe and happy. We cannot depend on judging ourself about how faithful we are to God or about our works. On judgment day, God will bring all men’s secret sins into the open and we will discover the secrets of their hearts. Then, every slandered believer will be justified, and every faithful servant approved and rewarded. It is common to find pride at the bottom of quarrels and self-conceit helps to produce undue esteem of all. The Word of God is the best rule by which we can judge all. Remember this – we cannot be puffed up one against another because we are all only instruments who God employs and endows with various talents.
