Matthew 7:21-23
Faith is not casual. Belief is not stagnant. Our actions reveal where our hearts truly lie.
This is one of those passages that should cause us all to reflect on how vibrant our relationship with the Lord really is.
The Lord Himself says that there are those who profess Him, yet their actions nullify their profession. If our faith has no corresponding actions, then in the words of James, it is dead—because faith without works is dead.
Notice that the Lord said it won’t be just a few. He said many will be surprised, thinking they were secure, yet Jesus will say that He did not know them.
What does it mean to know the Lord? How do we get to know anyone? Time spent with them is a big factor. Do we talk to the Lord? Do we include Him in our thoughts throughout the day, or do we live independently of Him? Do we curb our actions with His commands in mind, or do we simply do what we think is best?
Jesus gives further clarification in John 15:
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” John 15:9–10 (NLT)
So the question we must ask ourselves is this: Does our belief in God change the way we live our lives? Has there been real transformation? Do we desire to please Him more than we please ourselves?
Let me present it another way. When I was single, I concerned myself only with what I thought I needed to do. When I got married, my actions were naturally shaped by the fact that I now had to consider my husband in my thoughts and decisions.
On a spiritual level, that is what it is like to have a relationship with the Lord. We are no longer free to do whatever we want. We are joined to the Lord, and our actions should reflect that relationship.
This is one of those passages that should cause us all to reflect on how vibrant our relationship with the Lord really is.
The Lord Himself says that there are those who profess Him, yet their actions nullify their profession. If our faith has no corresponding actions, then in the words of James, it is dead—because faith without works is dead.
Notice that the Lord said it won’t be just a few. He said many will be surprised, thinking they were secure, yet Jesus will say that He did not know them.
What does it mean to know the Lord? How do we get to know anyone? Time spent with them is a big factor. Do we talk to the Lord? Do we include Him in our thoughts throughout the day, or do we live independently of Him? Do we curb our actions with His commands in mind, or do we simply do what we think is best?
Jesus gives further clarification in John 15:
“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” John 15:9–10 (NLT)
So the question we must ask ourselves is this: Does our belief in God change the way we live our lives? Has there been real transformation? Do we desire to please Him more than we please ourselves?
Let me present it another way. When I was single, I concerned myself only with what I thought I needed to do. When I got married, my actions were naturally shaped by the fact that I now had to consider my husband in my thoughts and decisions.
On a spiritual level, that is what it is like to have a relationship with the Lord. We are no longer free to do whatever we want. We are joined to the Lord, and our actions should reflect that relationship.
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