It has been a while coming, but I have found myself finally there on this matter. That is that I find it hard to believe there are so many who are unaware of what is happening around them and to them. We see this all around us. It is certainly seen in the world at large as you look into what is happening and done in other countries. You see it in our own nation, too. Denominations, churches and of course our own families. In any of these, there will be differences of opinion and in some cases major divides that lead to people allowing others who have an agenda to tell them what to think and do.
Let me be clear and say that has never really worked for me. I want to make up my mind regardless of what others might think. God gave me a brain and reasoning skills with the intention for me to use them. I am influenced by reasoned thoughts that may well not be mine, but I am willing to have the discussion. It may well lead to myself or the other persuading the other. However, then again it may not and we will have to agree to disagree.
So are there things that people of differing views can agree on? There may be and those are the points to which the bridge is built. Let's be honest, people are not always going to agree. There will be differing views and unfortunately those differences might be quite wide and diverse.
Where are we headed as denominations, churches, nations and families? As a Christian and a pastor, I am well aware of the issues not only facing the denomination and church life. As well, as a citizen and one who is a Christian, I am well aware of the issues facing our nation, the world and families. The opinions and positions are wide and varied.
So with this in mind, what do we do when we are talking to someone about Jesus Christ? Now, I have never personally had a bad experience when talking about Jesus. People may not accept and embrace what the Bible says and what someone like myself preaches and teaches to others. That is their choice and they may do so believing that what they read or hear is untrue. It has always been this way and it will be until the end of time.
You know it is interesting that most people believe that this world will come to an end. In some way or manner it will cease to exist. I believe that, but I also believe that the Bible talks about a new earth. Thus a new world as we know this one currently to be. We have every opportunity, as people, to do the right thing. It is unfortunate that with this opportunity that we all miserably fail. Yet, that is what what sin does, it destroys the good when we submit to sin. Sin separates us from God but Jesus bridges that separation. He took on our sin so that we might able to come to God on His terms. The best we can offer Scripture says in Isaiah 64:6 is that-
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away”
He was speaking to Israel who had been blessed by God. Yet they also abandoned God. Although to Israel the Scripture clearly shows us that we can see ourselves blessed by God and yet abandoning Him. We are still doing the righteous acts but because of our heart condition they are as filthy rags. I would encourage you to do a study of this Scripture to understand what Isaiah was saying because it will humble you.
What we do and how we act are extremely important in short and in the long run of life. Care must be taken and when we do it becomes more about Him and less about us. Making the right decisions is what we must do but, it is the wrong decisions that have consequences and can affect what happens.
So, as this new day begins what are you going to do? How are you going to go about making the decisions you will need to make throughout the day? Those decisions not only have short term affect but they have long term, even eternal consequences.
In God’s Grace,
Elbert Nasworthy