This morning I was wondering about people, people who are in the church yet have no visual spiritual growth. It worries me. My heart breaks for those that don't take to heart God's words and commands. I think of the verses, Matthew 7:21-23
““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Who are these people that The Lord will turn away?
Apparently these people believed themselves to be "known" by God. They remind God of the works that they performed for Him.
Yet, He says that He never knew them.
If people think and believe themselves to be "right" with God how is anyone to reach them? Very often they become defensive and feel that they are being judged.
People say things like, "God understands."
And honestly, I believe that He does understand. And He pardons. And He forgives. And another new day, new chance is given.
But there will come the day when we die and all new chances are done away with.
“And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,”
Hebrews 9:27 NASB
Now what?
Now a person is judged and will be held accountable for every word of God. We will each be held up against the measuring rod of His word and whether or not He "understands" that you believe your circumstances will exempt you, they will not.
‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Are words that I never want to hear.
If you want to be in The Kingdom, you must obey the King.
A life of faithful obedience no matter what we go through is required by God.
Discussion:
What does faithful obedience look like?
