Since my last post, and the subsequent comments upon it, I’ve been thinking a lot about what we’re responsible for as 21st century Christians.
First of all, let me say that I am believe that Christ’s work on the cross is sufficient to cover ALL our sins, those of omission and commission. I don’t believe any of us will arrive at perfection until we are made perfect with Him in heaven. I’m not talking legalism.
But, what have we been given, and what is required of us? We have the full knowledge of God’s saving work in Christ Jesus. We have the entirety of His revelation in the Bible. We have His orders to “go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19,20)
We have His word that “not everyone who says to Me ‘Lord, Lord’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father.” (Matt. 7:21)
He said that “whatever you’ve done to the least of these brothers of Mine, you’ve done it unto Me.” (Matt. 25:40)
We have the call to “be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) We are called to be holy, or “set apart”, to be different from the world. In it, yet different.
Am I any different? Really, deep down, am I? If you put me in a lineup with 5 other guys my age, would you be able to see a difference? If you looked at my life as a whole? On a day to day basis, am I dying to self and serving others, or am I living for self no matter the cost to others? Do I care more about my temporal safety and comfort than the eternal safety of the lost all around me?
Or am I one of the ones who cry “Lord, Lord!” yet do not do what He asks of me?
Remember Jesus’ words “But when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) In my complacency and self-centeredness, have I forsaken the least of these for my own comfort? I have been given MUCH. And I know much is required of me, as a result.
Is it not possible to live this life as a good Christian man, going to my 9-5 every day, playing with my kids, loving my wife, paying my bills, and completely miss what God has called me to as a believer? Is it not possible that believing that may be one of the greatest deceptions the enemy has ever pulled?
The Wading Pool 