After
devoting two-thirds of the newspaper space allotted the article to a
discussion of human sports, the writer of “You Would Not Believe All
the Possibilities” (2/7/2003 Tribune) references the straight gate and the narrow way and the
wide gate and broad way (Matthew 7:13,14). He says, “To the mindset of
many, being a Christian is very much limited to a rigid interpretation
of Biblical rules and principles. ‘Thou shalt not’ is often viewed
as a penalty capable of snuffing the enjoyable essence out of
life...Yet, the opposite actually stands as the truth.” The writer
then extols the vast possibilities life in Jesus provides. No Bible
student would argue that the Christian life is the abundant, fulfilling,
joyful, and peace-filled life here on earth, with an even better life to
come in eternity. But, the reader of the February 7 article may wonder
if the writer is implying that God’s commands are open to
interpretation. The quality of the Christian life is not in
question. The question is:
Is obedience to what God says essential to enter that Christian life,
where all spiritual blessings can be accessed? Who taught us about the
straight and narrow way? Who pointed out to us the folly of the wide and
broad way? Was it not Jesus, the Master Teacher? Using Matthew 7:13,14
as the starting place, read what Jesus says in the verses following: “Not
every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom
of heaven; but he that doeth
the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say unto me in that
day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name
have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And
then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that
work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21,22). Let’s continue to hear
Jesus: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which
built his house upon a rock:...And every one that heareth these sayings
of mine, and doeth them not,
shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the
sand...“(Matthew 7:24-27). Could Jesus expect us to obey if His
words are unclear, shifting, and open to various interpretations by
denominational conferences and conventions? How important are Jesus’
words? “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words,
hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall
judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). It is clear that
Jesus expects us to know, understand, and obey His words. He tells
us our judgment will be based on His words. The abundant life of
joy, peace, and confidence comes from the security of knowing and
obeying God’s firm, plain, and unambiguous commands!
God has a
marvelous gift
waiting for you!
Click on the
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more.
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