In following his thoughts about the temporary nature of life, Paul mentions how that should cause one to act. In Paul’s ministry he made it his aim to please God. This is a fundamental aspect of Christianity. We should always question whether our actions will be pleasing to God before doing them. In all of Paul’s actions God was at the forefront of his mind.

Pleasing God is paramount for we will be judged by Him. When we all “appear before the judgment seat of Christ” we will receive the things done in the body. As Paul wrote elsewhere – “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7-8).

This is the “terror of the Lord” – He will either welcome us home, or send us away for eternity! For this reason Paul persuades men to be reconciled to God, for “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). Knowing this he lived an open life before God in obedience. This was manifest to the Corinthians by his character. May we all heed the inspired words of the apostle and live our lives to please God!