“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.” – Matthew 7:21 KJV
“the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” – 2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV
How does one recognize the difference between a true Christian and a person who merely makes a profession to Christianity? By their reaction to the truth as it is in Jesus Christ!
Indeed, there are some who take the Word of God as it is, allowing it to influence their thoughts in such a way as to bring about change within their lives to produce something beautiful. And then there are many who read the Bible selectively, deciding for themselves what they will accept as coming from God. Such people either throw out or ignore portions of it that don’t agree with what they think it should say, and thus they remain in a carnal state. Those who take God’s word as it is do so wisely, but those who read it selectively do so at their own peril.
It is important to understand that the Bible isn’t meant to be received by God’s people in a selective manner; it’s not simply a book that contains helpful advice for living. It is the inspired Word of God! Thus, it deserves our utmost respect. And if anyone desires to follow God, they will read it and accept it as the truth. All of it!
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV
Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of professed Christians these days who take the Bible seriously, at least not all of it anyway. Of course, they are willing to change, but only where change doesn’t require that they have to give up too much of what they hold dear to their hearts. They think that they’re serving God faithfully, but they are actually casting down His will for their lives. But then there are those who have cast all their worldly possessions at the feet of Jesus Christ, holding nothing back from Him. Indeed, they give Him the honor and respect that He deserves in everything. The first group wants God’s gifts but don’t want to use them to His glory, while the latter eagerly dedicate all they have to God’s glory. Only one group is right with God. And I think that it is obvious which one it is. But is it obvious to you which one you belong to?
Listen, if we truly have a desire to serve God we won’t show it by worshiping Him in bits and pieces; instead, we will take what He gives and give what He takes, answering to His high calling for us to rise up and become all that He would have us to be in Christ. Do you want to give all that you have to God? Do you desire to serve Him in everything? If this is what you truly want, then invite God to come into your life to show you what you need to know. Allow Him to work out His good pleasure in and through you, being “throughly furnished unto all good works.”
