My actions affect our eternal destiny

There are many 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. A Christian may feel that compared to those bad actors he or she is sure okay with God. Each may ask, “Does it matter what I do?”

It is important to realize that 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. “But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27). The law of sowing and reaping will be in full effect on the day of judgment. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to the flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (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). Paul warned the brethren at Rome, “But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: ‘As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.’ So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10-12).

My actions can also impact others. “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Members of the family of God should constantly be aware of the impact of their actions on each brother and sister within the family. None of us 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). Just a couple of chapters later, the apostle wrote, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God” (1 Corinthians 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.