I got to
thinking about being “good” again last night. It is so tempting
to believe that if we're “good enough” we'll go to heaven upon
our death. It brought to mind the song about Santa knowing if we've
been naughty or nice. Because he's only going to give good gifts to
those who have been nice for the previous year. If you've been
naughty, though, the consequence will be a gift of coal. How many
people do you know of who woke to find coal in their stockings?
How does
this image of Santa affect our view of God? And how does it affect
our view of our own “goodness” or “worthiness?” We are
bombarded with messages like, “You deserve a break today” and
“Have it your way” from fast food chains. As moms, we're
encouraged to take time for ourselves, away from our families and the
stress they cause us. Is this all really true?
Will the
Lord be like Santa when it comes time to enter those pearly gates we
hear about? Not to say that everyone will be able to enter those
gates, after all, we all would agree that those who murder innocent
children and adults will be rejected, right? I'm sure there are a
few names spinning through our heads right now of those who fit into
this category. But as for the rest of us, are we, in our basic human
nature, inherently good? All we have to do is be “good enough”
to step right through those pearly gates, right?
This might
be a good time to define good. Here is an applicable definition of
good according to Merriam-Webster.com, “2a
(1): virtuous, right, commendable <a good person> <good
conduct> (2): kind, benevolent <good intentions>.”
That sounds good, I mean we all want to believe that, don't we?
But the
Word of God tells a different story. We might have a tendency to
think of it as a harsh story, one filled with outdated rules, wrath
for disobedience, and a life devoid of fun and adventure. But that's
not true! One only has to look at Paul's life to find a God who
loves to extend mercy and forgiveness to sinners, including
murderers, like Paul. And talk about adventure!
Paul boasts
in 2 Corinthians 11 about frequently being in prison, being flogged,
beaten with rods, and stoned. He continues to say he's been in
danger from rivers, bandits, his own countrymen, Gentiles, in the
city, in the country, at sea, and from false brothers. He worked
hard and often went without sleep, food, and drink. That sounds far
from living a boring life. And he's not talking about video games or
movies either, he's living them out because of his faith in Christ as
his Lord and Savior!
The Word of
God also tells us the truth about ourselves. We've all sinned and
have fallen short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). What do you mean
we've ALL sinned? What have I done wrong? I am a nice person. I do
all kinds of good things. What do you mean by “sin” anyway?
According
to Jesus Himself, murder is not just killing someone and adultery is
not just...well, you know. Read the following two passages from
Matthew 5 to see what He says about these two items of law found in
the famous Ten Commandments (Exodus 20).
“You
have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder,
and anyone who murders will be
subject to judgment.’ But I
tell you that anyone who is
angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.
Again, anyone who says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to
the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger
of the fire of hell.” (Matthew 5:21-22, NIV84)
“You
have heard that it was said, ‘Do
not commit adultery.’ But I
tell you that anyone who looks
at a woman lustfully has
already
committed adultery with her in
his heart. (Matthew 5:27-28, NIV84)
Perhaps
you're one of the few who has not fallen in either of these ways.
What about lying? You might say, I don't lie! What about the so
called “white lies?” (Why are they called white anyway, are they
somehow more pure than other lies? And are there “black lies?”)
Another commandment given is to not give false testimony about your
neighbor. In a nutshell, that means we may not lie. About anyone.
Anything. To anyone. Ever. So what, you ask? What's the big deal
about a little lie?
Well,
it's a really big deal according to the Lord. James, who was a
brother to Jesus, writes that if we break just one point in the law
we are considered one who has broken the entire law. Read it for
yourself:
“For
whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles
at just one point
is
guilty
of breaking all of it.” James 2:10, NIV84
Knowing
this, is there anyone who can claim to be without sin? Not really,
but we do love to turn a blind eye to this truth. The Lord knows
this too! We read in 1 John that when we say we haven't sinned we
are lying to ourselves and “the truth is not in us.” In claiming
this, we are calling Jesus a liar. James says if this is so, the
Word of God has no place in our lives. (1 John 1:8,10, NIV84) BUT...
“If we confess
our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive
us our sins and purify
us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV84)
It
is Jesus Who purifies us. He makes us righteous. Through faith
in Jesus Christ. We must believe that He is the Son of God. Wholly
human. Wholly divine. We must believe that His life had to be
sacrificed for ours. He made a way for us to be reunited with the
Lord Himself. (Romans 2:21-26).
You
see, it's not about our good works, it's about His Grace. We've been
saved by His Grace, through faith. And this faith doesn't come from
us. It's a gift
from Him. It's not through our works. Why? So that no one can
boast that he did it himself. (Ephesians 2:8-9) God does it all.
Past. Present. Future.
When
we are ready to leave our darkness of sin behind and walk in the
Light of His Truth, His Word, then it's time to come to Jesus. As we
confess our sins and ask Him for forgiveness, we can look forward to
a new life in Him. (1 John 1:7, 2 Corinthians 5:17)
Then
we need to receive the gift of faith and seek Him. For “without
faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him
must believe that He
exists
and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6,
NIV84)
Do
you believe He exists? Our Creator put knowledge of Him inside of
all of us, all you have to do is look around to see evidence of His
handiwork. We are without excuse! (Romans 1:19-20) So seek Him
earnestly. Look for Him as if you were looking for lost or hidden
treasure! (Proverbs 2:4) Seek Him wholeheartedly and you will find
Him. (Jeremiah 29:13) God is faithful, and if you seek Him, He will
be found by you. Praise the Lord!
When
you put your hope in Him and look to Him for help, you will find a
happiness that lasts longer than that new outfit (jewelry, car, home,
etc.) you bought. Or that party of the year you were invited to. Or
that game you won. (Psalm 146:5, NKJV)
And
then, if someone says to raise your hand if you're good, you can
raise your hand, not because you're good, but to announce, “I have
Jesus as my Lord. Apart
from Him I have no good thing.”
(Psalm 16:2) And you will know true
joy
and the peace that
passes all understanding.
(Philippians 4:6-7) Because you have given the reigns of your life
over to Him. All of your joys. All of your sorrows. All of your
sinful tendencies.
**If
you have more questions about following the law and being good, may I
invite you to read the book of Romans? If you do, I pray that the
Holy Spirit will open your heart to His goodness and the gift He is
holding out to you.**
Then
Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
Mark
4:9, NIV84
Loved reading that Tanya. Thanks you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMarcy (Carmichael)