“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
The judgment seat of Christ will be a place of incredible surprises. There, hidden evil and good will both be revealed and rewarded. The hypocrisy of many who were deemed righteous will be exposed. “… Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known” (Lk. 12:1,2). Conversely, the righteous actions and attitudes that were seen in secret, displayed for God’s eyes only, will be openly rewarded (Mt. 6:1-6).
No wonder Paul cared so little what men thought of him. He did not run the race to obtain an earthly prize and a corruptible crown. He had his eyes on a far more glorious reward. Oh that we should live with the day of judgment ever before us! It would help us to work out our salvation with a greater fear and trembling.
We may say we don’t care what men think; but do we really care what God thinks? One day, we will find out what He thought of our life down here, perhaps to our horrible surprise. Let heaven’s court marvel in the opposite way. Diligently do what the Lord has revealed to be good, without a care as to who sees it. Do what the Lord requires of you – do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. He is coming quickly, and His reward is in His hand.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” (2 Corinthians 5:10,11)