Laid Bare

How important do you think our actions are here on this earth? Do you think that only the big choices in life matter in the grand scheme of eternity? Or do you believe that every word and every action, whether big or small, good or bad, public or private matters? I believe that everything we do and everything we say may ultimately be dissected when we get to heaven and stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Hebrews chapter 4, verse 13 says:  

"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

And Jesus says in Matthew 12:36

"But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."

In both instances, it says that we’ll have to give account on the day of judgment for our behavior here on earth. I challenge you to consider how short life is compared to all eternity. I believe that it is so short that everything we do and say is important. Jesus said that if we even give a cup of water in his name that we will be rewarded. So I challenge you to consider your actions, big and small. In the grand scheme of eternity, they may be more important than you think.

---

“Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” The good news is that God is merciful and he is forgiving. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t see everything and know everything about us. Many Americans are concerned with privacy. They are concerned whether “big brother” is watching. I think we all should be more aware that everything is laid bare before God, and we should take that truth very, very, seriously.

No Turning Back

If you are a believer, you might attest that there are times in your life where you find you’re on a spiritual high, and other times where it seems you are losing every spiritual battle. I encourage you to take advantage of the high times, to press into God like never before. Spend more time with God, be more sensitive to the Spirit, encourage others, and allow God to take your walk to the next level. But if you are in one of those low times, don’t let the world or the sin that entangles you pull you away from Christ. In fact, it is during those times where we need the most encouragement. Hebrews reminds us in Chapter 3 verses 12 and 13:

"See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."

These verses are actually referring to what the Israelites did in the desert, but we too need to make sure that when we find ourselves in our own spiritual desert that we heed these words. I like how it encourages that “none of us be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness”. Because you know sin is deceitful. It is a lie. It is false. We think we are getting something we want, when in actuality, we are hurting ourselves and our relationship with God. But if you find yourself on a spiritual high, I hope you are able to do what this scripture suggests - to encourage other believers who are struggling.

---

We need to guard our hearts. Hebrews tells us that we shouldn’t have a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from God. But that we should find encouragement in one another so that we will not be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. You see, we need each other. We need to lean on each other, encourage each other, and we need to do it, as long as it is called, “today”.

Imitate Their Faith

I would argue that most Christians, maybe even yourself, know of someone you believe is really living a life honoring to Christ – someone who you look up to in the faith. This could be a pastor, it could be the person who led you to Christ, or just someone that you know who is humble and steadfast in their faith. The bible encourages us to imitate these people. In fact, Paul encourages in his letters, that the readers should imitate him as he imitates Christ. And in Hebrews 13:7 it says:

"Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."

I like how it says to “consider the outcome of their way of life”, because that shows the fruits of their faith. It shows how their faithfulness to the gospel has reflected a solid pattern of peace and contentment in their life. So, of those whom you deem as the “perfect Christian”, consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. However, in doing so, be careful not to put them on a pedestal or idolize them. Unlike Jesus, they are still only flawed humans who are subject to fall. But even still, it is always inspiring to see someone living it. When we do, it inspires us to do likewise.

---

Hebrews tell us to, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith”. Though the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, Jesus has gone to sit at the right hand of the Father. He is no longer here to be our living example to follow. But there are strong believers who at times make it seem effortless to remain right before God. Their faith is strong and they seem to remain steadfast. Hebrews encourages us to imitate their faith. I know that I have those who I try to imitate in the faith, and I hope you do as well.

High Priest

You probably know that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. But do you also know that he is our high priest? Did it occur to you that Jesus coming to earth in human form was almost like on-the-job training for how to really relate to humanity? And that his understanding of us and our suffering would give him a clear indication of how to make atonement for our sins? Well, it hadn’t fully occurred to me either until I read Hebrews 2, verses 17-18 which says:

"For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

The best way for Jesus to understand what it is like to be human was to actually become human himself. He understands our suffering and in that, he is now the perfect high priest for us. I’m convinced that God is God and didn’t really need to have Jesus experience humanity, but I think it was more for our benefit. When we’re able to look at the life of Jesus, understanding that he felt sorrow, joy, temptation and anger just like we do, it is easier for us to accept that he can identify with us. I’m so thankful that God chose this method in making Jesus our high priest, don’t you? Because he could’ve done it from the comforts of heaven if he wanted.

---

Jesus is our high priest and because he became human, we are assured that he understands humanity. And in experiencing life first hand, the bible tells us that has become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus knows temptation even though he has never sinned. And in knowing temptation he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Near To God

I’m convinced that the nearer we draw to God, to more we begin to be transformed into his likeness. But it is always hard to draw near to God when we have a guilty conscious. And since God is the only one who can forgive us and cleanse us of our sin, it seems like a catch 22. We want to draw near, but it’s hard when we’re dirty. But yet we can’t get clean unless we draw near to him. Hebrews 10:22-23 encourages us with these words:

"Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

You see, when we are dirty and tainted with sin, God is the only one who can cleanse us of that sin. So, we can’t feel so ashamed that we resist drawing near to him. I like how Hebrews says “having our bodies washed with pure water”. Have faith that God can cleanse you, because he can, and he wants to. Don’t let your guilt keep you from repentance and humbly coming to the Father so that he can sprinkle our hearts, cleansing us from our guilty consciences. I know it can be difficult to understand the ways of a holy God. But know this, he wants you to be in his presence. But the only way to be in his presence is with a clean heart. 

---

Hebrews tells us to “draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith”. We have to have faith that God will forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from our unrighteousness. Because Hebrews goes on to say, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”