3D Character and Question Mark

  My advice today only applies to Christians. Even though about 70% of Americans call themselves Christians, the actual number must be much fewer. I say this because Jesus told us that “the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14). If you have not committed your heart to Christ, you are welcome to keep reading, but what I have to say may not mean much to you.

   Christians have the glorious privilege of calling God their Father. This brief article won’t allow me to discuss everything that means, but I’d like to explore a couple of important thoughts with you.

   On the one hand, believers call God Father because they have an ongoing relationship with Him. That is only possible because they have embraced the forgiveness that Jesus purchased for them on the Cross. It certainly is comforting to have God as your Father! “‘I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to Me,’ Says the Lord Almighty” (2 Corinthians 6:18). What a comfort to know that the One who created everything is taking care of you.

   There is something else that is also important about knowing God as your Father. Even in human terms the title “father” implies authority. We obey earthly fathers, not just because they are older and maybe wiser, but because of who they are. “‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?’ says the Lord of hosts to you…” (Malachi 1:6).

   Pastor Charles Spurgeon said, “When I say ‘My Father,’ it is not for me to rise up and go in rebellion against his wishes; if He be a father, let me note His commands, and let me reverentially obey; if He hath said ‘Do this,’ let me do it, not because I dread Him, but because I love Him; and if He forbids me to do anything, let me avoid it.”

   In light of the fact that God is our Father, here are three questions we should avoid asking:

   #1. “I do a lot for the Lord, so isn’t it all right if I slack off for a while?” Think about it. There is no way that we can ever do enough for the Lord who saved us. Jesus said, “… when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, ‘We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done’ ” (Luke 17:10). Even the great Apostle Paul said, “We proclaim

[Christ], admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom…. For this purpose also I labor, [engage in hard work] striving [straining myself] according to His power, which mightily works within me” (Colossians 1:28–29).

   #2. “God hasn’t been answering my prayers, so what is the point of serving Him?” When we feel this way, we need to step back and see the big picture. “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:9–10).

   When we are discouraged, it will be a huge help to regularly remember how much Jesus endured for us. “For consider [Jesus] who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3).

   #3. “I know what I’m about to do is wrong, but wouldn’t God understand?” I think this is the most dangerous question of all. God treats every Christian the same. None of us are special cases. We should never fool ourselves into thinking that God won’t hold us to the same standard that He has for others. “For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe” (Deuteronomy 10:17).

   God will never leave us in a situation where we have to do wrong (see 1 Corinthians 10:13). God always gives enough strength to do the right thing (Philippians 4:13).

   When we are tempted to ask these questions, to let ourselves off the hook and follow our own desires instead of following Jesus, we need to remember that Christians don’t own themselves. They are owned by Jesus Christ. “For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:7–8). That may sound harsh to some, but a Christian is someone who loves Jesus so much that he will, “Serve the Lord with gladness; [and] come before Him with joyful singing” (Psalm 100:2).

What if this description doesn’t sound like who you are? Examine yourself to see whether or not you are in the faith. Don’t deceive yourself just because you have an outward coating of religion. There is no religion and there are no good works that will assure you an entrance into heaven. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven…” Matthew 7:21.

Only a personal relationship of Jesus will do that. If you have given your heart to Jesus, then you can experience a peace that is greater than all your problems. Not only can God’s peace rule your life today, it can also rule all your future expectations.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6–7).