“So, since Christ suffered in the flesh, you also arm yourselves with the same attitude, because the one who has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin, in that he spends the rest of his time on earth concerned about the will of God and not human desires. For the time that has passed was sufficient for you to do what the non-Christians desire. You lived then in debauchery, evil desires, drunkenness, carousing, drinking bouts, and wanton idolatries. So they are astonished when you do not rush with them into the same flood of wickedness, and they vilify you. They will face a reckoning before Jesus Christ who stands ready to judge the living and the dead. Now it was for this very purpose that the gospel was preached to those who are now dead, so that though they were judged in the flesh by human standards they may live spiritually by God’s standards.” 1 Peter 4:1-6 NET https://bible.com/bible/107/1pe.4.2.NET

As Christians, is our primary concern the will of God being accomplished on earth as it is in heaven? Are our time and money increasingly used to see God’s kingdom come upon earth as it is in heaven? Are we sharing the gospel more consistently and fruitfully this year than last? Are we feeling the disdain of those we used to try to please because we increasingly separate ourselves from vain living to live lives pleasing to God? These things will occur if we grow in our faith and become more consistent in living according to God’s standards rather than human standards. Jesus will judge every person according to their deeds. Those who love Him, proven by obeying His commands, will gain eternal life. Those who ignore Him and do not pursue obedience to everything He commands will find themselves cast away from Him before Whom we must all give account. The Great Commission is the mission of every Christian. Our lives are to be lived as Jesus lived in obedience to God the Father as directed by the Word of God, focused upon reconciling the world to Jesus through serving people and testifying to all that God has done in Jesus the Savior of the world.