“To be honest, you cannot!”

Sunday, April 15, 2018

When we read through the scriptures and learn how godly people are to walk, there are just some things that are hard to imagine. I have made a short list of things that would seem so strange to proceed from the mouth of a Christian, yet I wonder how true they might actually be:

How can I do less for the Lord and still get by as being faithful?

How can I be faithful and still put my desires ahead of the Lord?

How can I fulfill my duty to sing praises to God without actually opening my mouth?

How can I be there for my brethren when I don’t want to be around them?

How can I convey to others that I have joy in being a Christian without ever smiling?

How can I fret about every little thing, yet tell people that I have the peace that passes all understanding?

How can I develop my abilities without ever volunteering to do anything?

How can I convey to the lost that I want them saved, but I refuse to talk to anyone?

How can I claim that I build others up, when all I do is criticize them?

How can I complain about people not being friendly to me when I am not friendly to them?

How can I be a positive example to my children when my actions at home don’t match my actions at worship?

How can I give to the Lord as little as I can and be happy with that, knowing I ought to give more?

This list could go on and on. The point I want us to see is that even though these can’t be done, it doesn’t mean people are not trying. Yes, it is futile, but as long as people convince themselves that they might be able to do it, they will continue to try. When Jesus said that no one can serve two masters, this didn’t stop people from trying (Matt. 6:24).

This reminds me of what James wrote, “Out of the same mouth proceed blessings and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring can yield both salt water and fresh.” (Jas. 3:10-12).  You might argue that a person can cuss and say blessings. That is true, however, you can’t utter blessings and feel there are times when you can cuss.

There is a reason the word hypocrisy is found so much within the word of God. Such play acting is taken place by many in the spiritual realm. We all need to make sure we haven’t become such good actors that we have fooled ourselves. This is why self-evaluation is vital for the Christian (II Cor. 13:5).  The reason saints are told not to be deceived is because many are (II Tim. 3:13).

When you read the twelve statements listed at the beginning of this article, you can’t help but realize people actually think these things. If we are not going to learn, we will be in for a rude awakening come judgment day.

Chuck

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