Evaluation I: Today and that Day

Evaluation I: Today and That Day

2 Corinthians 3:11-13

Evaluation is a moment to pause and check how well you are doing. Evaluation and control are essential tools to measure and direct the progress of a project. The final evaluation at the end of a project is to give a final account of the performance of the project. The quality of the final evaluation depends on that of evaluations and controls during the life of the project.  Control is learning from how things have gone in the past to effect changes or reinforcements to guide a project towards its objectives. Control by nature demands a willingness to change as necessary.

Every life is on course to a day of its final account. Martin Luther (1483-1546) being aware of this declared, “There are two days on my calendar—‘Today’ and ‘That Day.” The Bible often reminds its readers to live with the end in mind. At the end of time among other things, Christ will return. For we must all appear before His judgment seat; that every one may receive according to what he did, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians  5:7-10). Every man’s work shall be revealed and tried to show what sort it is (1 Corinthians 3:11-13). What you are doing should not be unrelated activities and events but part of a process guided by your values, goals and ‘that day’.

The parables of the ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom and those of a master who goes away and comes back later, gives an idea of what to expect regarding the second coming of Christ (Mathew 25). They teach that we may be required to wait patiently because of possible long delay. We need to make sure that we are ready all the time. In the parable, when the bridegroom arrived some of the ten virgins were ready and others were not ready. The lesson is that you should keep watch for we do not know the time. You should be faithful in carrying out the task the master gave - ‘go ye therefore and make disciples’. The only treasure you can take with us to heaven is spiritual value you will have contributed to transform lives according to the newness of life in Christ. You should be ready to give a report on ‘that day’ about this task. There will be privileges, rewards and joy for those found ready on ‘that day’. On that day, you will give an account for your life. On that day you will account for every word you spoke (Mathew 12:36, 37). That day will expose secrets of the heart. On that day, you will account for the things you did in private as well as public. On that day, every knee shall bow and confess that Jesus is Lord. Each day that comes ‘that day’ is nearer than  before.

The teaching on Christ’s return and ‘that day’ has practical implications for you today. It makes our responsibility today to prepare for ‘that day’. Matthew Henry (1662-1714) once said, “It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our last day.”  Bearing the end in mind encourages you to live a godly life (1 John 3:2-3; 2 Peter 3:9-13). It challenges you to be watchful in prayerfulness (Matthew 24:44; 25:13). It stirs you to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 25:1-13) and faithful in using your gifts and talents positively (Matthew 25:14-30). It is a source of hope and comfort in times of trial and persecution (Hebrews 10:35-37).

Message by Dr. Kurai Chitima.

Faith Ministries – Johannesburg Faith Life Center.

Ground and First Floors Sunset Bay Building,

204B Bram Fischer drive,

Randburg, Johannesburg, South Africa