“For the time has come for judgement to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Pet. 4:17

The context of this verse is the glory of God. God wants to reveal His glory to us and through us, for His purpose has always been for the church to reflect His glory. He will do what He can to prepare us for His glory and to spare us from being judged. We must understand that His judgement is always in proportion to the manifestation of His glory. Always.

The judgement that fell on Ananias and Sapphira was equal to the pure glory of God that was manifesting in the early church (Acts 5). The judgement was severe because the glory was heavy. The Lord is zealous to restore His glory again among His people.

Goodness and severity is the two-edged sword of the Lord. If we don’t judge ourselves, we will be judged by the Lord.

“For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world” 1 Cor. 11:31-32

The Lord will awaken us and get our attention through His goodness or through His severity. The sleeper can be awakened with a kiss of kindness or a severe shaking. We choose.

“Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God—severity toward those who fell, but goodness toward you, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off” Romans 11:22

At some point we need to be honest with ourselves and ask the tough questions.

Why are we being defeated? Why doesn’t the world respect us?  Why aren’t we impacting our culture and our spheres of influence? Where is the power of God? Why aren’t we seeing the glory of God that we see in the early church?

Extracted from article by Bert M. Farias, revivalist and founder of Holy Fire Ministries,