Measurement Improves Performance
By George Stroh
September 26, 2022
The conclusion, when all has been heard, is fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13,14)
Keeping score or other measurement is an effective motivation to improve your performance. That is why they keep track of the number of stokes in golf and also why I no longer play golf. In my previous life as a business owner and manager, the very announcement of an employee performance review usually provided incentive for improving productivity.
As Christian believers who have trusted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we will someday stand before God at the "Bema Seat" judgment where our performance or deeds in this life will be judged by God. Because we are forgiven and saved Christians, this judgment is not to determine who will spend eternity in heaven or hell. Everyone at the "Bema Seat" judgment is going to heaven. But some, based upon their performance or deeds, their faithfulness and their obedience to God, will receive special additional rewards, or what the Bible calls "stephanos" (crowns); So then each one of us will give an account to God. (Romans 14:12) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
(2 Corinthians 5:10)
Every unbeliever will also someday stand before God in judgment. Sadly, everyone at this "Great White Throne" judgment is on their way to an eternal hell, separated from God forever. This judgment is also on the basis of deeds done in this life with some receiving greater eternal punishment than others; Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. (Revelation 20:11,12)
Of course the joys of heaven with our Lord forever will be glorious way beyond anything we can even think or imagine today. However, I also expect these promised special rewards or crowns will be a much bigger deal than we can presently understand and appreciate. If you are a Christian, the promise of a coming judgment should be very motivating. We are to fear (respect) Him, trust Him and strive to faithfully keep His commandments, the word of God, looking forward to our final and most important performance review.
Maranatha!
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