“And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgement...” -Hebrews 9:27

In Rapid City, South Dakota, a thief was arrested. In his billfold they found written on a sheet of paper the following code: 1) I will not kill anyone unless I have to. 2) I will take cash and food stamps but no checks. 3) I will rob only at night. 4) I will not wear a mask. 5) I will not rob mini-marts or 7-Eleven stores. 6) If I get chased by cops on foot, I will get away. If chased by vehicle, I will not put the lives of innocent civilians on the line. 7) I will only rob seven months out of the year. 8) I will enjoy robbing from the rich and giving to the poor.

You might say the thief had a sense of morality, but it was flawed, for when he stood before the judge in the court he was not judged by the standard he had set for himself but by a higher standard.

When the apostle Paul stood before the political leader, Felix, “he was discussing righteousness, self-control and the judgement to come.” The Bible says Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time, I will summon you” (Acts 24:25). Felix was procrastinating concerning that which was impossible to escape. Felix said, “when I find time” --words which have been repeated countless times by those not yet prepared for the judgement to come. When we stand before His throne it will be Jehovah’s standard that is used, not ours. His judgement will be irrevocable and inescapable. The Old Testament cry should readily be heard by all which says, “Prepare to meet thy God...” (Amos 4:12)

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