Two Paths

Doing God's will does tend to separate us from those who choose not to do God's will. It seems inevitable. God's will and man's will clash. There is a separation that exists when one chooses to follow God's will and give up their own- even for a short period of time. The separation is very noticeable, it looms large. It's like that old saying- you can't ignore an elephant in a small room and often people do just that. It's there, it's very loud in its silence and it speaks volumes without uttering a single sound yet it is ignored because the two paths chosen are so different. Being there in that room, living in that existence there's a tendency on both sides to want to draw the other to them and their side. Forces are at work behind the scenes so to speak, forces that war against each other even though the victory has been won. The loser would have all that he can have on his side and until the Victor arrives to claim His people the loser will do all he can to woo them from the Victor's side. On the opposite side of things, the Victor wants all that will to be His as well and has laid down His life for His people no greater sacrifice exists. The Victor will not use nefarious means to seduce people to Himself while the loser stops at absolutely nothing to get people.


People think that being a Christian is some sort of cop out. People think that weak people turn to Christianity and use it as a crutch. Others believe that it's to put on airs for a 'better than thou' attitude. There are countless beliefs out there and those who choose not to follow God, doing His will, come up with the ones that suit them best to silence within themselves the small still voice that nudges them to follow God as well. Some men consider themselves too manly to succumb to God's will. Real men don't need that wussy stuff. Some women consider themselves to independent to need God in their lives. They've fought too hard to get where they are to give any of that glory to God, it was their hard work and that alone. If a person would look at their lives and ask themselves if they are doing God's will they'd be able to answer themselves too. Maybe the answer wouldn't be a positive one, but the answer would be out there for better or worse. The reason would be known.


As time winds down, as the sands in that ol' hourglass slip quickly though, the decision that ALL people will have to make on where they stand with God will have been made. Before Christ returns it will all be decided. If some people are waiting for His return hoping that He'll begin a new ministry on earth so they can turn to Him then they will be very mistaken and all Jesus will need to do is point to His word. The truth is in His word. Those people who are not following God's will, God's truth as it is revealed in His Word will hear the sad words to get away from Christ- He never knew them. KNEW them.


Mat 7:21 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.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.


KNEW. Past tense. The time to KNOW Jesus is NOW! NOW! It can't be stressed enough. Seeking God, seeking to know His will, His truth is something we do now- not something we should put off for a later date.


It is easy to do God's will? Was it easy for Jesus? More and more it will be difficult to do God's will and those who stress otherwise are wrong. That path is narrow and the way is fraught with manifold temptations.


Mat 7:13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.


Few there be that find it. That narrow gate is something to be searched for diligently. The most precious treasure in all the world is found beyond that gate- life everlasting in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Few will find that gate compared to the number that will find and walk through that broad gate.


Jesus uses an analogy that we can all relate to-


Mat 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
Mat 7:25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
Mat 7:26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
Mat 7:27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it


May God help us to hear the sayings of Jesus and to do them so that we may be like a wise man. Doing the will of God, not of ourselves no matter how many around us - those near and dear to us, or those far away yet still influential over our lives- choose not to do the will of God. It's not putting on airs, it's not something done to alienate others, in fact it's something that would draw people together if only the love of God would be first in all our lives.


By the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior, now and forever may His will be done in us.


Amen.