Matthew 7:21-23
(New International Version)
21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
(New International Version)
21"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' 23Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
I started reading a book today called Buck Naked Faith by Dr. Eric Sadras. The first chapter had one of the most honest stories I have ever read in my life. Sadras, who is now a pastor at a Vineyard church in Washington, tells the story of an encounter he had in college. He had been leading a successful college minsitry and going to school full-time. He had been worn out by the "living-above-reproach" lifestyle, so he went out to a club to let loose and be someone different. He ended up having a one night stand with a girl he met at this club. As he rolled over in bed, he realized that this girl was now crying after what they had done. She said these five words, "I thought you were different." He now realized that he knew this girl. They had met before. She had attended the last meeting of the college ministry which Sadras led. She was confused and mixed up in life, and he had just represented Jesus to her with a one night stand.
Sadras continues to explain how he had become just a shell of a man. For the most part, he was doing all the right things. He was a talented speaker of God's word, and he had a successful ministry. On the inside, he was empty. He was gifted, but he had no character. Robert Cupp once said to us in an intern class, "Integrity takes a lifetime to build and a moment to destroy." In a moment, Sadras had destroyed his reputation as a person of integrity. Why is this? Honestly, it's because there was no character behind the illusion of integrity and morals.
I believe that this is a perfect description of me a lot of the time. I am doing everything right on the outside. I lead a cell group. I lead worship. I went to Turkey. I tithe. I listen to some Christian music. I saw The Passion of the Christ in theatres. I read some Christian books. I am doing all the right things. I have to confess that I've done them all in the wrong order.
What I should do is passionately pursue Jesus first. Instead, I do religious things--church things--in hopes that a passionate relationship with Jesus would develop. Unfortunately, no amount of works in the world will cause a person to have a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. Fortunately, a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ will inspire a man to do great things in His name. I think the verse above could easily be changed to this...
Sadras continues to explain how he had become just a shell of a man. For the most part, he was doing all the right things. He was a talented speaker of God's word, and he had a successful ministry. On the inside, he was empty. He was gifted, but he had no character. Robert Cupp once said to us in an intern class, "Integrity takes a lifetime to build and a moment to destroy." In a moment, Sadras had destroyed his reputation as a person of integrity. Why is this? Honestly, it's because there was no character behind the illusion of integrity and morals.
I believe that this is a perfect description of me a lot of the time. I am doing everything right on the outside. I lead a cell group. I lead worship. I went to Turkey. I tithe. I listen to some Christian music. I saw The Passion of the Christ in theatres. I read some Christian books. I am doing all the right things. I have to confess that I've done them all in the wrong order.
What I should do is passionately pursue Jesus first. Instead, I do religious things--church things--in hopes that a passionate relationship with Jesus would develop. Unfortunately, no amount of works in the world will cause a person to have a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ. Fortunately, a passionate relationship with Jesus Christ will inspire a man to do great things in His name. I think the verse above could easily be changed to this...
Matthew 7:21-23
(Miller Time Version)
(Miller Time Version)
21"Just because someone says to me, 'Jesus, Jesus,' doesn't mean he or she will go to heaven, but only the ones who do my Father's will. 22On that day, I'll hear many say 'Jesus, Jesus, did we not give 10% of all we made, and lead a small group bible study and lead worship or take part in it?' 23Then I will simply say to them, 'Get away from me evil one, because we never had a relationship!!'
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