Published by admin on 26 Aug 2011 at 02:30 pm
LAWLESS CHRISTIANS?
Having just returned from a lengthy road trip, we had the chance to see the driving habits of thousands of people across several states. Among those thousands were many vehicles with various religious bumper stickers. Now, you would think those who profess to be Christians would be a shining example of driving courtesy and adherence to the speed limits, but not so. For the most part they drove like everyone else, with no regard to courtesy or the law. Some with “Jesus” stickers passed me well over twenty miles per hour over the speed limit. What is wrong with that picture?
I’m reminded by the Holy Spirit that as a disciple of Christ Jesus, my life should be an example of “What Would Jesus Do?”, not, “If it feels good do it”. Should Christians be “lawless”? Are we exempt from doing right? Absolutely not! A Christian should be an example that everyone else follows. Instead, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to spot a Christian in the workplace or shopping mall, or in the neighborhood, for they blend in so good with the world that they are “undercover”. The Lord Jesus didn’t tell us to blend in and be like everyone else. He told us to be salt and light, to be a city set on a hill that cannot be hid.
What about obeying the laws of the land? It is written in 1 Timothy 1:8-11,
Ti 1:8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
1Ti 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
1Ti 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
1Ti 1:11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
Contrary to popular belief these days, laws are not made to be broken, but you’d never know it by the way people drive over the speed limit. It’s just a sign of the times we’re in, that people just want to do what is right in their own eyes, having no respect for the laws of the land. Are all laws good? No, some are not, but God has not given Christians excuse to disobey them, for the powers that be are ordained by His permission according to Romans 13:1.
If we as Christians are not examples of our Lord Jesus, then what will draw others unto Him? The world is full of those who know not God, can they look at us and see Him working through us? If not, WHY NOT?
It is written in Titus 3:1-8:
Tit 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
Tit 3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
Tit 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Tit 3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
Tit 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Tit 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Tit 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Tit 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
Perhaps we have forgotten who saved us from our sins, and let the pressures of society change us into its image, instead of letting the Word of God change us into the image of Christ Jesus? “EVERYONE ELSE IS DOING IT” is not an excuse for lawlessness, nor will it fly when we stand before Christ Jesus to give account for our lives. Yes, I know, not every Christian is acting like the lost and unsaved, and some are indeed walking the walk, and not just talking the talk. As time goes on the Bible tells us in the latter days lawlessness will abound. The love of many will wax cold, and we are certainly seeing that happening. But that doesn’t mean we have any excuse for letting it happen to us. We, of all people, should be pointing the way to Jesus, and as His ambassadors, His disciples, there should not be any among us living, acting, and talking like the rest of the world. Even when we’re driving down the highway, others should be able to recognize us as lawful, obedient, courteous and caring people.
What if you’re standing in line at the grocery store? I usually find that whatever line I get in, the clerk’s register seems to run out of tape, or someone needs a price check, or there’s someone who has a question about the price of every single item, and those in front of me start getting impatient. I have a choice: I can get grumpy and complain about how slow the service is, or I can tell the clerk I hope they are having a good day and smile at them and tell them they’re doing a good job.
We had some problems with our motor home on the trip, and yes, I’m human and I didn’t like the problems any more than you would. But the Holy Spirit is there to help us remember to whom we belong and whom we represent, and it helps me to keep my attitude in check. Do I like driving the 60 mph speed limit if everyone around me is going 75? Yes I do, because I know if Jesus was driving, HE would be driving 60 in obedience to the law. It’s my job and joy to do my best to represent Him and the heavenly Father as THEY would want to be represented, not to just act like everyone else because it’s convenient.
Here’s what I want to leave you with: If the Lord Jesus looked all around for someone He could appoint as His ambassador over all the earth, would you be considered for the job? If not, why not? And if not, and you could change something in your life right now to correct that situation, would you do it? You see, it’s easy to be lawless, but God is looking for those who will represent Him without compromise in a lost and dying world. Can He count on YOU?
Jeannie on 27 Aug 2011 at 8:34 am #
Thank you Bro. Jerry, for the word concerning integrity. As followers of Jesus Christ, it is foremost we have and exhibit integrity in all circumstances whether it is convenient or not. When you say you will call someone on the phone, do you call? When you say you will be there at a certain time, are you there? Make a point to honor our Lord today with Godly integrity in our daily lives.
James LeBlanc on 27 Aug 2011 at 2:54 pm #
The Word be not conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds by the Word. My interpretation of course but you are so correct on being living stones of example of the Kingdom you belong to which is not this present life but the Life of Christ. As we listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and not harden our hearts and obey we can be that example of our alien status in this life. I used to be one of those drivers too Bro Jerry but no bumper stickers here! LOL I do not want to be like this world and am challenged to live a life that will reflect the light that shines from within. Thanks for your prayers of healing for me in the past. Your messages encourage me and trust the Lord to be a support to you in some way in the immediate future. Thank you and Blessings upon you and your family in Jesus Name!
Margit Serna on 12 Oct 2011 at 2:01 pm #
They just wanted to see if their angels actually flew as fast as they were driving. No it is sad, the people that believe in God are very few. Just because one has a christian bumper-sticker does not make one a born again christian. Just like standing in your driveway does not make you a car. The lack of the word of God, its meaning is so poor, when you hear people speaking of some-one that has passed away, they ALL went to heaven ??? According to the world all we have to know is there is a God and we are in. What a surprise it will be to those who die, to find out that it took a little more than that. That trip cannot be repeated, no 2nd chance. Also the veil that has the people separated from God by the enemy, that will only be removed when the Holy Spirit comes in. It is very SAD, that big ministries dont care for the people they milk dry for their own gain. Can you imagine when the piper has to be paid, God will say you lived in luxury, while my people go to hell. They are nothing but religious pimps. The horrible shame for peoples souls. That day when those ministers have to give an accounting, will be the saddest day of their existence, they can take nothing with them, all the wealth stays here. What reward do you think that will be theirs??? Big eye opener, right. God will tell them, this is how much you perverted my name for your gain. So I dont think that there will be many ministers in Heaven. To let them in would destroy heaven. How utterly SAD. I pray that their eyes will be opened.