Okay, who is scared of the Judgment Day? Anybody out there? May I see a hand? Well, if your hand is up, guess what, I am with you. Like the other day I came across Matthew 10:26 where it says, “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.” Don’t you love that verse!
And speaking of Matthew, flip ahead to the twelfth chapter and you read in the 36th verse, “I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.” I tell you, that will make your hands sweat.
But listen! Friend, if you’re a Christian, it should make your hands applaud. A verse like that should be reason for rejoicing. How so? Well, please remember that the Judgment Day will not only reveal the bad stuff, you know the straw and wood and hay and stubble... it will also reveal the gold and silver and precious stones, all the good stuff. Yes, it’s true that we will have to give account for our careless words, but flip that coin and think of the many, many more wonderful words that’ll be added to your eternal account. All the times you have said thank you — think of that! All the times you have encouraged people with a simple, “You are so thoughtful... or I appreciate you... or you are great... or I am so proud of you... or I’m so grateful this... or I think it’s wonderful that you... or, wow, what you did was fantastic... or, you are really fantastic... or even, thank you, you are welcome!”
Do you catch my drift? My friend, Francie, told me that she had brunch with her dad and during their time together, she leaned over the table and said, “Dad, you’re so smart!”... and she said that tears came to his eyes. I asked her, “Why would a comment like that make him cry?” She said, “I don’t think anybody has ever told him that. And he is smart.”
I know that Francie’s not keeping score, but I tell you, this will be added to her eternal account. Sure, she like anyone has said a lot of careless words... but God will also recognize and reward the kind words, the considerate words. First Corinthians 4:5 says, “Jesus will bring to life what is hidden in darkness and will expose — not just the words — He will expose the motives of men’s hearts.(Now get this) At that time each will receive his praise from God.” Hmmmm... not just our words but our motives, our thoughts (little wonder we are told to bring every thought under the captivity of Christ and think about what sort of things are true, noble, pure and praiseworthy).
So, friend, remember that small “thank you” which you say today or those extra thoughtful words you offer over the phone... none of it is careless, none of it is idle... and all of it will be added to your eternal account. And what’s best, it will bring praise from God.
Friend, thanks so much for these special few minutes we’ve been able to share together. And because this program is called Joni and Friends, please know that I would love to hear from you. Drop me a line on Joni’s Corner at joniandfriends.org or you can always contact us at PO Box 3333 Agoura Hills, CA 91376. May you know the joy and favor and approval of our wonderful Savior until next time on Joni and Friends.
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
© Joni and Friends