Bad things going on all around us. The world is removing all boundaries and saying each should do what seems good to them. They see no standard of right and wrong and urge each to do what makes them feel good. Comparing oneself to those bad actors may make us feel okay with God. Each may ask, “Does it matter what I do?”
My actions will impact my eternity. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Paul, an inspired apostle, was concerned about his own eternal well being after telling others how to be saved (1 Corinthians 9:27). He knew the law of sowing and reaping will be in full effect on the day of judgment (Galatians 6:7-8). Each of us will stand before Christ’s judgment seat and receive a reward based on what he did when walking this earth (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-12).
My actions can also impact others. Jesus compared his followers to salt and light (Matthew 5:13-16), indicating our influence on the lost. Members of the family of God should be aware of the impact of their actions on brothers and sisters within the family. None should do anything that might cause another member of God’s family to stumble (Romans 14:13, 21). Paul was willing to give up eating meat for the rest of his life if it would prevent him from wounding the conscience of a weaker brother or sister for whom Christ died (1 Corinthians 8:9-13; 10:31-32).
A wife’s example could even help her husband see the gospel when he is unwilling to submit to the preached word (1 Peter 3:1-6). Husbands, similarly, need to live in a way that will help he and his wife reach heaven (1 Peter 3:7). No wonder Paul told the Corinthian saints, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Clearly, it matters what I do. I need to guard my actions so I will be bidden to enter in to heaven. I also need to be careful about the impact my actions have on others, especially those in the family of God.
Gary C. Hampton