The Report Card

2 Corinthians 5:10

New International Version

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

For Meditation

Think back to when you brought your report card home at the end of the school term. Did knowing your parents might reward you for good grades affect how you did in school?

In the same way that your report card affected your actions at school, Christ has given each Christian a share of His grace to live for Him (Eph. 4:7). These gifts come from our risen King, given as He returned to heaven after His resurrection (8), holding all authority and power (1:20-22; Matt. 28:18). The Holy Spirit gives and operates these gifts within every believer (1 Cor. 12:11).

Each person, therefore, has a responsibility for understanding and using the gifts they have been given. One day Christ will require each believer to give an account. We will all stand before Him with our individual reports, detailing how we lived and employed our gifts (2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Cor. 3:10-13).

Thankfully, He promises to reward those who have done well. But those who have not “will suffer loss” (1 Co. 3:14-15). Knowing this should shape how we live and use our gifts. As we wait for that day, we should keep checking ourselves in every part of our Christian lives, especially in how we live and use our spiritual gifts. Let’s take some time to reflect with a few questions.

Start by thinking about your Bible study. How is it going? Then, consider your prayer life. What kind of grade do you think the Holy Spirit, your Teacher, would give you at the end of the year?

Next, how are you doing in areas like Social Studies and Behavioral Science? Are you following God’s way, or have you let other ideas pull you away? Will your choices stand up when Christ tests them (1 Cor. 3:13)?

Now, think about how you handle economics and finance. Are you managing God’s resources well? What about Sex and Ethics? Have you learned “to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable,” and “not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God” (1 Thess. 4:4)?

Finally, think about how you use your spiritual gifts in the church. Are you serving in any ministry? How seriously do you take your service, and how committed are you to God in what you do?

Keep checking every part of your life to avoid disappointment when you stand before Christ (2 Cor. 5:10). Live and serve to make the Holy Spirit, your Teacher, give you excellent grades.

Pray with Me

Father, have mercy on me. My report card is not as admirable as it should be, but thank you for Christ Jesus, Your Son, who gives us grace to walk through this troubled world in the power of the Holy Spirit until you come or call us home to yourself. Through Christ our Lord, amen.

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