Living to Please God

What truly matters when it comes to motivation is living to please God, knowing we’ll one day stand before Christ and give an account.

“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds … in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade people.”—2 Corinthians 5:10–11 NASB

What motivates us? Why do we do what we do?

In part, all of us are motivated by the basic needs of life. But some are also driven by a craving for success or riches, popularity or power, status or fame, pleasure or comfort. Others are motivated by various kinds of worry and fear: fear of loss, fear of rejection or abandonment, worry about the economy or personal finances, or concern about what others think of them.

However, Paul said something far more important that should motivate us: the fact that, someday, each of us will appear “before the judgment seat of Christ.” Paul explained that this appearance will reveal the truth about our character and life. It will reveal not just what others see, but also what has remained hidden or unknown. At that moment, we’ll be judged according to what we’ve done, “whether good or bad.”

This is why Paul felt so motivated to reach others with the Gospel. Others might have been distracted with the temporary things of the world, but Paul was focused on eternity. He wanted to be ready to face Jesus and give an account for his life.

Remember that someday you will stand before God and give an account of your life—what you said or did, and even what you thought. Focus on pleasing God. His opinion is the one that counts, and His rewards are eternal rather than temporary.

Reflection Question: How would your daily choices change if eternity shaped your motivation?