Focusing on judgment day should bring not only sobriety and carefulness to my regular pastoring of Christ's sheep, but it should also promote a joyful anticipation. It is easy to give way to the temptation to work for the smiles and applause of men. I can easily reach for goals that I believe will bring the accolades of my peers and the approval of my parishioners. Accomplishing certain ministry goals or leading our church into numerical growth become means of gaining the applause of men. Yet, I must choose.
Pragmatism becomes the conductor.
The audience inexorably becomes man rather than God. But God will evaluate our pastoral ministries. It is not my place and it is not the right time. The true value of my labors will be revealed at that awesome event. The Scriptures are clear.