Part 44 – What It Means To Prepare for the 2nd Coming of Our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ
Those paid to do their public service are already compensated for their good deeds. Unless they do more than what is required by their duties and responsibilities, might there be more rewards from the Lord on judgment day ? It is those who did not get compensated in this world for their obedience to the Will of God — these are the people who will be richly rewarded.
Sometimes, we call the situation wherein no due compensation is afforded a disciple for his or her righteousness in this world — we call it injustice. Those who experience injustices are known to be persecuted in a world that gives greater value for evil activities.
What was the promise of The Son of God for people persecuted in this world because of their Faith in God ?
Luke 6:22-23 English Standard Version (ESV)
“22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”
Man’s accountability should be first of all to His Creator. Those entrusted with fellowmen would have to reflect God’s Righteousness in order for them to be worthy stewards of the people following them. This is challenging for the managers of fellowmen. Again, it would be different if there is a business setting wherein followers are being paid to perform roles. Or if the setting concerns government officials who receive salaries to perform roles. While the accountability remains to be first of all to God, a good leader of people should have mastery of God’s Ways in various circumstances of life. Thus, the challenge is about self discipline. To know God’s Ways is to know more about Him according to the teachings in the Holy Bible. And then, a good disciple must be good at “translating his knowledge of God” into actual practices in striving to be responsible for people entrusted to a believer.
Furthermore, what makes the challenge a tough one is the fact that the leader himself must be consistent with Righteous Ways taught in the Scriptures. A less matured leader would have to keep reading the bible and require followers to do the same, whereas a more matured one is able to LIVE God’s Words daily as well as enlighten people with God’s Wisdom even without quoting from biblical passages.
Be honest with yourself. If you know God’s teachings since it is written in your hearts and minds, then you can simply be yourself. Training of people will take place naturally. Oftentimes, however, this ideal scenario is not what we actually have. Almost all would have to work out one’s salvation by humbly reviewing Words of God for effective management of people.
Philippians 2:12 ESV
English Standard Version
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,”