In this final installment on the series of judging, I am going to be rather direct, for it concerns the truth of our salvation, the proofs of it. Far too many Christians are either unwilling or unable to give these proofs in relation to the Word of God, they are not capable of showing to other brothers and sisters in Christ the works that the Holy Spirit of God has done thru them, those occurrences that show to the world that they have been set apart. The most simplest of statements will make them feel as if they are being judged, and if there is one place in the life of the professor of Christ as Lord that people do not want to be questioned in, it is in the area of their salvation, the assurance of it.
“How has Christ been using you” brings up an automatic defense mechanisms within them, they feel as if they are accountable to you for asking the question, that this most simple question is not something that we should be required to answer. I would ask those of you who feel this way to pay much attention to this particular verse, “And be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15) You need to be able to answer within yourself this question, to whom are you to give this answer to. If you say to Christ, you are only partially correct, for yes, you will give an account on that day, (Romans 14:12) but that is in not what we are being commanded to do here, is it, in every season means to everyone that asks of you.
I have met very few believers in my life that are willing to follow this precept, the majority automatically and instinctively, as it were, presume that the one who is asking the question of “Tell me how Christ is using you,” wants to know for their own personal reasons, when, if it is asked by an understanding student of the Scriptures, that is the furthest thing from their mind. The hand my friend, cannot say to the foot, “I have no need of thee.” (1 Cor. 12:21) The majority of those I have met over my short journey in this life instead take offense, and believe that by this simple question they are being judged by the asker, the first thing that comes into their mind is not be ready to give an account, not that in this moment that they have been blessed to speak of how God is using them by His Holy Spirit to glorify His Son, the incredible blessing of being an obedient, willing servant of Christ, but instead they seem to rush head long into the trap of rejection, of being judged, of having to be accountable to a fellow believer.
Do you know what my brothers and sisters, you are to be held accountable. (Gal. 6:1-2) This is the main reason that many take great offense when they are questioned on their faith, but I would like to point out a very interesting fact here, the pride that we try to keep away from when mentioning these deeds is the same pride that makes us feel judged when asked to give an account, “I shouldn’t need to prove to you I am saved, God knows I am.” Doesn’t speak much of humility, does it. They confuse this accountability of their faith, the works as their own, they feel as if they are being judged on their merits, their works, when all our works are as filthy rags, (Isaiah 64:6) show me your faith by your works. (James 2:18) Show who? Was James only speaking to himself, was he writing to just a few individuals who are now long dead, or are we to show our faith by our works, are we able and willing to give an account of our faith to whomever asks it of us.
There is not one born-again believer who is going to disagree with this statement, when asked to give an account for the reason of your faith, you should be able to expound on why Jesus Christ is your Lord, and when ask to tell anyone who asks the proof, as it were, of that salvation, you must be able to show them, to tell them the reasons for that changed life, the sanctification of it, what has been done to you and through you must be able to be shown. Why do we skip from step one to step three, why when asked are we able to tell them of Christ and His incredible gift of salvation, but then go directly to feeling as if we are being judged, and completely ignore the opportunity to tell them of the proof of our salvation, to show them how we have been and are being used by Almighty God to bring glory to His name. “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.” (1 Cor. 11:31)
If all you are doing is showing up to church on Sunday and spending the rest of the week in pursuit of the things of this world, I can understand why you would not want to give an answer, if the best you’re doing is throwing a little extra into the plate as it passes by occasionally, not studying the word of God, have a prayer life that is next to nothing and always self-motivated, I can completely understand why you would feel as if you are being judged. But my friends, if you are serving Christ continually with your entire heart, if you are praying without ceasing, if you are feeding the poor both materialistically and spiritually, being used by the Most High to bring glory to His name, why would you not want to tell all who ask of you this wonderful blessing that has been bestowed upon you.
If you are unable to differentiate between judging and giving an account, I would strongly suggest that you begin today to search diligently in the Scriptures for these truths, for the One you will give your final account to will be the Righteous Judge, and He will know your heart.
