What Have You Done Lately?

"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done."
Revelation 20:11&12


I have never been a teacher of religion. We simply cannot earn favor with God by what we do. The only way to the Father is through Jesus Christ, his Son. We know this to be true. If eternity could be gained by good deeds and religious service, none of us would have a chance. We fall far short of the perfection God requires. Our guarantee of eternal life is found only in receiving the work of Christ on the cross as our sacrificed Lamb, resurrected and ascended to the right hand of the Father. 
    This scripture reminds us that we will all be judged based on what we do. Notice that there are two books listed in the scripture above. The Book of Life is all important. Those whose names are found there enter into God's heavenly kingdom. Those who are not, are destined for eternal fire. But both will be judged on what they have done, their good or bad deeds. It is interesting that there is no reference made to different judgements. Those in the Book of Life and those who are not, still must face the judgement of God concerning their deeds. 
    You see, God is holy. He is compelled by his own holiness to judge all people. No one will be spared the judgement of God. But those who are righteous because of the blood of Jesus will be saved. When we stand before our holy God, we will only be able to say, "It is by the blood of your Son that we stand in righteousness before you." But still, there is the matter of our deeds.
    I believe the deeds that God will judge are based on the things that Jesus taught. He will ask these questions: Did you love your neighbor as yourself? Did you love your enemies? Did you treat others as the Good Samaritan treated the wounded traveler? Husbands, did you love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her? Did you do to others as you would have them do to you? These are simple things, but they are important to God. I think those who will receive the greatest rewards in heaven will be the ones who least expect it. Those humble people are the ones with a generous, giving heart, who do these things without thinking. It is not about how well we speak or how many times we go to church, it is about the simple kindnesses Jesus asks us to display. 
    Do some self-examination. Consider your salvation and thank God for it, but consider what you have done with the great salvation you have been given. Ask yourself the questions. Thank him for his grace, but commit yourself to fulfill the words of Christ. All will be judged. Make yourself ready.