They say that, “Confession is good for the soul.” So, let’s be honest with one another for a moment, shall we? For even the most dedicated and devout of Christians, there are certain passages of Scripture that we do NOT like. To be more to the point, there are things God has asked of us which we believe to be unfair, to say the least. There are adjustments to actions and attitudes that go beyond what we and the world at large see as reasonable. This is particularly true when it comes to commandments relating to how we treat others, especially those who have wronged us, those we consider enemies, and those we believe to be unworthy.
We have a bad habit of attempting to qualify or place conditions on how, if, and when obedience to these troubling truths is required and to what extent. We do so by adding the word BUT followed by our own words of wisdom explaining why we don’t think we should have to do it to whatever has been asked of us. Here are some of the most common examples I have encountered both in person and online:
I know Jesus said, “turn the other cheek” and “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” BUT… (Matt. 5:39 & 44)
I know the Bible says, “in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others,” BUT… (Phil. 2:3-4)
I know the Bible says “Do not repay evil for evil or insult with insult… repay evil with blessing,” BUT… (1 Peter 3:9)
I know Jesus said, “love your neighbor as yourself,” BUT… (Matt. 22:39, Mark 12:31)
God’s Word is not subject to our personal preferences or fickle feelings. If we take issue with what God has asked of us, the change that needs to be made is on our end; not God’s.
I’m not trying to throw stones. I share in the confession above. I’m a sinner struggling to accept and apply the truth of God’s Word in my life just like every other follower of Jesus, BUT the commands of Christ are not optional. God’s Word is not subject to our personal preferences or fickle feelings. If we take issue with what God has asked of us, the change that needs to be made is on our end; not God’s. If instructions have been given by our Lord, obedience is the only correct course of action.
We live in dark, difficult, and divisive days. It’s all-too-easy to find enemies to stand against, attack, and seek to eliminate. But, it is no darker today and there are no more adversaries today than ever there have been. It just feels that way because these are the days in which we have to live and these are the enemies with whom we have to interact. This is the season in which God has called us to shine as lights to the world. The brightness of our light will be determined by the integrity of our hearts and the consistency of our obedience to Christ and His Word.
The brightness of our light will be determined by the integrity of our hearts and the consistency of our obedience to Christ and His Word.
As the old children’s song says:
Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
Doing exactly what the Lord commands, doing it faithfully.
Action is the key, do it immediately…
Obedience is the very best way to show that you believe.
If we claim the name of Jesus, His example and His Word should set the standard to which we hold ourselves. If Christ command it, we should do it; no BUTS about it.
