2) To motivate us to live for Christ

Another purpose of the judgment seat of Christ is to motivate us to live for Christ now while we are here in this world (2 Cor 5:10-11). The first reason has to do with the future, but this second reason has to do with the present. God intends for this to have a present effect on us. When we realize that everything we do for the Lord will have a reward on that coming day, this motivates us to start laying up treasures for that day. The Lord says, "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in nor steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matt 6:20-21).

Sometimes people will say, "But we shouldn't do things just to earn a reward. It should be done for Christ." And that is true. Our greatest motive for the things we do should be purely because we love the Lord and want to do things that will please Him. However, when Mr. Kohler heard someone say this, he said, "I want to get all the crowns I can, because on that day I will have more to cast at His feet!" (Rev 4:10).