DO OVER: Praise to the ONE Who IMPARTIALLY JUDGES
The following is a “Do Over” of the “365 Days of Praise” post “God who IMPARTIALLY JUDGES.” I wanted to do it over to make a more accurate, complete application of the Scripture.
If (since) you address as Father the one who IMPARTIALLY JUDGES according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth;”
Are you aware that the Bible describes different kinds of judgments? The one to which Peter is referring is the judgment of believers’ works. Although we’re not saved by works, after we’re saved, God takes note of how we conduct ourselves. Peter reminds us that God is an IMPARTIAL JUDGE and that we should conduct ourselves in fear during our stay on earth. “Conducting ourselves in fear” means we live in way that shows reverence for and Christ. Peter gives examples of what this looks like.
- We are holy in all our behavior, like the Holy One who called us, 1:15
- We fervently love one another from the heart, 1:22
- We proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us our of darkness into His marvelous light, 2:9
- We abstain from fleshly lusts that wage war against our soul, 2:11
- We keep our behavior excellent, 2:12
In the first draft of this post, my application of the Scripture asked if we were sloppy, half-hearted, and lazy. But, those negative applications to our homes, work places, and ministries don’t touch our high calling in Christ. An unbeliever can be tidy, whole-hearted, and diligent. In our own strength, we can “self-improve.” The believer’s high calling in Christ and for which we’ll be rewarded is beyond earthly standards. It’s a life infused and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our calling is to represent the excellencies of Christ. When we do, we show reverence for Him.
Heavenly Father, thank You for being an impartial Judge. Help us conduct ourselves in reverence to You.