Strive!

-

“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24)

What is Jesus saying here? Are we sure of our salvation? Is not the gift of grace from God free? What must we do to be saved if not simply believe that Jesus is the Christ? It’s all in the text my friends, it’s all in His words.

Yes, we are justified through the cross of Christ, but that’s just the beginning. Free does not mean apathy. We do not receive Jesus then rest on his laurels, no, that is what we call cheap grace. The grace of God is oh so costly; it takes what can be summed up in one word, discipleship. This is why Jesus tells us that many will perish and not enter his Kingdom, that many will, “Knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us,’” but he will answer saying to them, “I do not know where you come from…Depart from me, all you workers of evil.” (Luke 13:25, 27).

No, we must not simply seek Jesus, but strive! It takes a lifetime of discipleship, a constant effort and drive to understand that without him, we are lost, doomed to destruction. Are you Christian in name only? Do you go to Sunday service, but then the rest of the week live free of His requirements just like the rest of the world? Then do not be surprised if you hear from Him, “I do not know where you come from.” Jesus’ teachings, exhortations, and life are to become second nature to us, so that every thing we do is wrapped in Him, in Christ.

A spiritually vigorous saint never believes that his circumstances simply happen at random, nor does he ever think of his life as being divided into the secular and the sacred. He sees every situation in which he finds himself as the means of obtaining a greater knowledge of Jesus Christ.[1]

Everything we do is to become more like Jesus. How do you spend your mornings? How about talking to God. Ask him to make you a blessing to others you interact with. Prepare yourself to be that miracle in someone’s life. Work suck? Make it your ministry to make it better for those around you, be different, be that shining light of hope, so that others can see Christ in you. That means stop the gossip, stop the blaming. You have been reborn in the Spirit, act like it. In short, show your faith, strive!


[1] Oswald Chambers, “The Spiritually Vigorous Saint,” http://utmost.org/the-spiritually-vigorous-saint/

Comments

  1. HarryAugust 19, 2013 at 5:13 PM

    i reflect upon reading your lesson with appreciation for how delicate the balance is between freedom and oppression.

    God's grace is a gift that is available to all just as liberty and justice are with a free and peaceful society.

    i support all those in our society who do the heavy lifting to keep us free and all us to peacefully seek God's grace. therefore i feel blessed and obligated to strive each day to be faithful to Jesus' word and live a decent life. a decency reflected by actions of kindness to others and conduct that isn't regrettable.

    harry
    ewa beach
    monday august 19th

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pray, Do Not Be Anxious

-
Image
Do not be anxious, rather pray.   Jesus made it possible for us to do so.   There was a giant chasm between God and us because of sin.   He is so holy, that sin cannot be in his presence, but Jesus has covered this sin, this stain, making us able to once again have communion with God.   Jesus is our mediator, our advocate.   When preparing this post and looking at what prayer is, it reminded me of a book I read called, The Necessity of Prayer by Edward Bounds.   His largest section and most influential was his work on prayer and faith.   As it should be, faith is the Christian anchor in prayer and touches every other aspect of our life.   Faith is obedient, trusting, and every other positive aspect.   Not only influential but also instructive in his writing, Bounds shows how Christians should pray by stating that, “faith must be definite, specific; an unqualified unmistakable request for the things asked for.” [1]   How true it is that we all too often pray for the grandio
Read more

Oh LORD, You're So Great

-
Image
It just amazes me how God answers prayers in ways we never expect. We almost tend to lower our expectations because we don't think God can handle what we actually want. But He always comes through, in His timing of course. So, a few weeks ago I went through my ordination board, which is a pretty big deal. Twelve pastors/elders/scholars that went through my twenty page ordination paper with a fine tooth comb and pretty much grilled me on my theology. Anyway, I received this card and little Bible from two wonderful people that have just been a joy in my life from 9th grade to present. This is what the card said, "I'm returning your little Bible to you. The last time you were at our house before you went overseas to serve our country, you handed me this Bible and told me you 'wouldn't be needing this.' I carried it in my purse as a prayer prompt. I was not sure if you meant you had another Bible? You did not need the Lord, you did not have faith - I just pray
Read more

Talking to Your Children After a Tragedy

-
Image
Father God, I pray peace emerges from the chaos that has engulfed the community of Newton, CT.  I pray you send your angels to comfort and minister to all who are involved and hurting. I pray your counsel will aid those in the process of grieving and allow healing to emerge.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen. During this tragic time I would like to offer some counsel on how to talk to children about traumatic events.  I want to be succinct and simple. ·       First and foremost, we must love them like there’s no tomorrow.   Physical touch like hugs and snuggles brings comfort and security to a now uncertain world.   ·       In this uncertainty, try to maintain a routine as best as possible.   This also brings a sense of safety and familiarity, which will help them cope better.   ·       Listen to your child, what are they saying, what are they not saying? It may be difficult for them to express what they are feeling, so gently ask questions to facilitate conversat
Read more