Choosing Christ
by Tim Lamb
I heard a fellow on the radio – a Christian teacher no less – say
something most troubling. I wanted to shout through the radio to
those listening “No, no, don''t do it.” Here is what he said; see what
you think...
“If you think it''s hard living like a Christian try living without
Christ.”
“...try living without Christ”? Are you kidding me? Most of the
world is quite content doing just that! In fact I''m pretty sure that
most who ARE living a true Christian life, at some point, chose it
OVER the non-Christian life they were living.
The point is, no one who is unhappy in the Christian walk needs to be
prodded into leaving it behind. In fact, I doubt anyone wanting to
walk away from their faith can stay. The thing that draws most to
wander is sin, without conscience – life unrestrained by God''s
commandments and moral purpose - and if this is what makes them happy
then they never truly desired God to begin with.
Those who want to live without Christ see God''s law and righteous
requirements as a shackle. Those who truly love the Lord find freedom
in distancing themselves from sin, and joy in the righteous calling of
God.
“...Try living without Christ”? I cannot imagine it! What hope is
there...what future? If you think it''s hard living like a Christian
ask yourself what Christ wants with you anyway. Do you think YOU
complete Him? Heaven forbid, He has been complete for all eternity.
You think He needs your love? Think again! God IS love. What love
you have you got from HIS excess.
If God gave no one a chance to live with Him He would still be all
that He is. Whether or not you are happy with God''s law changes
nothing about His offer. If you love His law and embrace Him with all
that you are all heaven will rejoice. If you despise Him and reject
His law all heaven will rejoice when He judges you guilty and throws
you into the lake of fire. Either way, it glorifies God to be
merciful with the humble and to pour out His wrath on the proud.
If you are not under His grace that may sound unfair to you. If you
are under His grace it sounds unfair to Him. Jesus said if you love
Him you will keep His commandments. If you don''t want His
commandments you don''t want Him!
Evangelist Paul Washer points out that most people don''t want to go to
heaven and they wouldn''t be happy there anyway. How does he know?
They don''t want it now! Salvation IS eternal life. If you are saved
Life in the Kingdom of God is now. So you are either living like a
resident of the Kingdom or like an enemy of the Kingdom...your choice.
With Him? Without Him? His Rules, Your Rules? God''s Law or mans
law? Do you love Him or not? It''s decision time!
Try living without Him? Not on your life. Want to live with Him,
only by His life...
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