How do I measure up?
I don’t think I can be accused of exaggerating if I say that this is one of the most difficult passages of scripture in the entire Bible (Matthew 25: 31-46). It’s what teenagers today might call “in your face”. It confronts and challenges us at the very core of our being; it forces us to face up to the most fundamental of questions – “What does Jesus think of me?” Will I be one of his sheep to be blessed for eternity or one of the goats heading for the hot seat! It speaks of a time which is coming when all of the things by which the world judges us - power, prosperity, intellect – will be irrelevant and we will stand face to face with Jesus. At that moment, I suspect that for most of us the most significant question in the depths of our hearts will be – “How do I measure up?”
Let’s for a moment take ourselves to that scene in our gospel reading as Jesus paints this vivid picture for his disciples. Knowing that his own life would soon be over, he had been trying to explain to them that one day the whole world would be coming to an end. Again and again over the previous few days, both in straight talk and parables, he had emphasised the need to be prepared for such a time. And here he finally wraps up his teaching by describing for them the reason for such preparation - the day is coming when everyone will be judged. And the judgement would appear to be clear and simple, the separation of those who had measured up from those who had been found wanting – the sheep from the goats.
Use your imagination to take yourself forward to that judgement day. Milling all around are literally millions and millions of people, all of them looking expectantly, waiting for something to happen. Slowly, almost imperceptibly two groups begin to form as people are ushered to one side or the other. As we look between these groups toward the front, Jesus, now dressed in the glorious clothes of the King, appears. We listen as he speaks to those on his right – their faces are wreathed in smiles. Now he turns to speak to the group assembled on the other side. Can you see the shock on their faces? Jaws have dropped, eyes bulge. Most of them are shaking their heads in disbelief. They have no idea why they are standing there. And even less idea as to why Jesus is uttering those words of condemnation, “Depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and all his angels.” Their understanding has been completely clouded by a life-time of self-satisfaction. They have been blind to the suffering and needs of others. And even at this very moment of truth they remain blind.
But one thing that cannot escape their sight is the transformed Jesus. No longer the suffering servant, the gentle teacher or the humble Saviour prepared to endure the agony of the cross. Here stands Jesus, the King and the Judge. Each of his words is a stinging condemnation. “Your life has been all about yourself. You’ve rarely lifted a finger to help others, much less put your own comfort at risk. Where were you when those around you needed a hand, a compassionate word, some practical help?”
All at once everyone begins to speak. “What do you mean? Don’t you remember the money I gave to charity. There’s only so much I could do. There was too much else on my plate. Hey, don’t forget I went to church - well most Sundays anyway! What more was I supposed to do?”
But their cries go unheeded and the judgement remains. We hear the words of Jesus, “How can you use my name and ignore the needs of others. Depart from me, I do not know you.” The evidence appears clear, the sentence just.
But let’s pause there for a moment - all may not be as it seems.
You may recall that a few moments ago I used the phrase that Jesus’ judgement “appeared to be clear and simple”. On his right would be the sheep, those who had gone out of their way to show kindness and charity to those in need, while on his left were the goats who had lived their lives for themselves. But I have to disillusion any of you who are thinking that it is good works and charity that separate the sheep from the goats. Sadly this is not the case. I say sadly because that is an interpretation that all of us to a greater or lesser degree eagerly seize on because it provides us with a simple and straightforward formula for heaven – if we do good then we can earn our ticket. If you give to the poor, comfort the sick, do this, do that, then God will love you and you’ll spend eternity with him.
But let us be very clear about the Christian message. Good deeds are not the entrance fee to heaven! Rather they should be seen as the evidence that there has been a change of heart. And it is the change of heart that is the key that will unlock the doors of eternity. Let me say that again. Good deeds are not the entrance fee to heaven! Rather they should be seen as the evidence that there has been a change of heart. And it is the change of heart that is the key that will unlock the doors of eternity. Those that stand to Jesus right, the sheep, have gone out of their way to show kindness and charity not because they want to work their way into heaven but they have done it out of love and gratitude to God for the love and grace that he has shown to them. You’ll remember from their response to Jesus that they weren’t even aware at the time that they were doing good on his behalf. And, judging by that response, they certainly weren’t doing it for reward.
But this may be a very difficult concept for many of us to grasp. Our whole social and economic system is built around the idea of fair rewards for effort. Those of us who have been parents will remember back to the days when a sweet worked wonders to quiet a tantrum or the promise of a bedtime story was an inducement to an early night. On the other hand, how often have you heard the accusing remark, “He’ll get his just desserts!”. It’s true that we even train our dogs to sit and fetch with doggie chocs and a pat on the head.
It’s easy therefore to think of heaven in the same way. Surely if we do enough to help others around us then we can earn our way in? With a bit of effort we should be able to rack up enough merit points to ensure our safety in eternity!
But irrespective of how much this system might appeal to us the fact is that it is not the way that God has planned it. Paul spells out God’s way very clearly in the letter he wrote to the Ephesians. In chapter 2 and verses 8 and 9 he writes, “For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith – and this is not of yourself, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no-one can boast.” It cannot be clearer than that. Salvation is a gift from God and we can do nothing in any practical shape or form to deserve it. Simply put, works will not work! What does work is faith. Faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and acceptance that we are assured of heaven simply and solely through his death on the cross and his resurrection. It is only through such faith and acceptance that God will look past our wrongdoing and see our lives through the righteousness of Christ.
So does that mean we’re off the hook! It doesn’t matter what I do for others as long as I have faith in Jesus? We can never put it past our human mind to find the easy way out, the line of least resistance. So if we are saved by faith then is there really any necessity to go out of our way to do things for other people? I’m sure that Paul was very aware that this could be what some might be thinking so he goes on immediately in Ephesians to write, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” “Created to do good works…”
You’ll remember I said a few moments ago that good works should be the evidence of a change of heart. They are the expression to the outside world that something has changed in our lives, that, indeed, we are now serving someone other than ourselves.
But let us also be clear faith in Christ doesn’t consist in a form of words or worship, it is a genuine commitment to surrender our lives to the will of God, to be, as Paul puts it in Romans 12 verse 2, “no longer conforming to the pattern of this world but being transformed by the renewing of your mind.” When we truly place our faith in Christ and accept his sacrificial death for our wrongdoings, there will be a change of heart. It may not happen overnight – but it will happen. We will find ourselves thinking about other people more; putting their needs before our own; recognising suffering with compassion; treating others with greater respect; and becoming more sensitive to their feelings. Of course this change of heart will not always and consistently translate itself into action. Even Paul found that out and was quick to tell the Christians in Rome, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (Romans 7: 18) What is critical here are his words, “For I have the desire to do what is good…”. And it is that same desire that we should find in our hearts when we surrender our lives to Christ.
So it is clear then that salvation is not the reward for good works. But that is not to say that God will not reward those who do good. In Hebrews 6: 10 we read, “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Ephesians 6:7 says, “serve wholeheartedly as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does...”
And in Proverbs 28:27 are the words, “He who gives to the poor will lack nothing.”
I think that you would find that this is the testimony of most people who go out of their way to help others. It is a far from thankless and unrewarded task. The rewards may come in many different guises not the least of which is the joy in the smile of a child or the peace in the life of someone who realises, maybe for the first time, that they are cared for.
Of course it will give rise to endless debate, particularly in the skewed situation of South Africa, for us to define those in need for whom we should care. But that is not the point. What Jesus is asking of us is to be sensitive. Not even he during his lifetime could heal every leper in Galilee or feed everyone who went hungry. But those who crossed his path were helped. His unfailing desire was, as Paul later termed it, to do good. And that is what he is expecting of us – the desire to do good on his behalf.
For that reason and before I close this morning I want you all to consider undertaking the following challenge. During the next 30 days I want you to ask God to show you someone who is in greater need than you are. It may be a stranger. Or it may be a friend or even a member of your own family. It may be someone who is sick, someone who is hungry, someone who is lonely. Ask God to make it very clear to you. And then for 30 minutes I want you to meet that person’s need and to do it as though you were doing it for Jesus himself. There it is, the 30/30 challenge! It won’t make the slightest difference to your salvation on judgement day but it may well bring someone closer to Christ and closer to their own salvation. And the joy that you will experience as a result will be the very best reward you could ever receive.
God bless you as you seek to do his will and care for those in need.
