We live our lives in the tension of trying to balance the importance of pleasing people and pleasing God. As humans our performance is judged by a boss or somebody to whom we are accountable.
This tension between trying to perform at a level of confidence to be well judged by someone above us, at the same time to be faithful knowing that our ultimate judgment is by God is a challenge. The important thing to remember is that sometimes people may misjudge us but God never makes a mistake in His judgment.
This is so true in business as people receive evaluation reviews. Some people even lose their job. It is important to remember that our ultimate evaluation will not be from a boss or a committee—but from God.
This is so true in athletics, and especially in coaching. Billy Gillispie took the head basketball coaching job at the University of Kentucky. Every move and every decision he makes comes under the scrutiny of a lot of people in the Bluegrass Region. After posting a 40-27 record in two seasons, Gillispie was asked about his future and his job security.
Gillispie made an interesting response. He said, “There’s only one judgment I’ll ever be concerned about and I hope I pass that judgment. I am really proud that that’s the only judgment that will have a real affect on me, and I hope I pass that one with flying colors.”
When I read that I thought it was some kind of theological statement about a final judgment. Gillispie declined to answer when asked whose judgment he was referring to. He later indicated that he was referring to Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart. As you know Gillispie did not pass that judgment and was fired as coach.
The big question for each of us is not about any human judgment, but about God’s final judgment of us. We don’t like to hear this or talk about it or even think about it, but the Bible is quite clear that one day there will be a judgment for each of us as to where we will spend eternity. That is really the only judgment that ultimately makes a difference.
There are a lot of mistakes made in human judgments. We even read about innocent people who are put to death because some judge or jury made a mistake. God never makes mistakes!!
A lot of people think they can appeal for help on that judgment day. I remind us that there will be “no jury duty on judgment day.” There is one Judge and His judgment is final.
God’s judgment is just—He offers everyone of us the opportunity to receive by faith the grace that He has shown to us in giving us His Son Jesus Christ. When we receive Him, follow Him, and grow with Him, there is nothing to worry about on the judgment day.
