An interesting thing happened yesterday, I had a couple of guys walk into a ministry that I work at and offer to help... I was impressed by their willingness to volunteer, not even knowing fully what they may be getting themselves into. I declined their most generous help. But I was saddened that I had to turn them away... so I told them that I really should explain to them "why". And over the next half an hour they most patiently listened...
giving the most humble and most patient attendance to my explanation.
Soon after they entered our ministry building, I noticed that the two young men were members of a "cult", whose faith was diametrically opposed to the Bible... but I was intrigued by their willingness and generosity and just had to spend a bit of time with them, instead of just saying "no thanks" by showing them the door. I was taken back by how eager these guys were to help in our community, not being their own, as they had traveled a great distance to serve in our community...
to further their church's global outreach.
I couldn't help but see how dedicated they were, and how "Christians" lack this basic drive to stand for their faith... let alone go throughout their neighborhood and offer their assistance. You see, on our building there are a couple of signs that say "bible study" "Experiencing God" "Men's Group" and so on... these guys had notice the signs and wandered in. My question within myself was... don't Christians see these signs? Yet none of them wander in to offer help... it had me puzzled. It was apparent that these "cult members" had more basic "love" or at least fear of not scoring points with their god or just more willingness than the so-called "saved" ...SAMARITANS? Mmmm.
As I explained (with the Bible) how our faiths were opposed they seemed to understand, yet remained very humble, not offended... I told them that IF we as "Christians" had workers like them the world would be a different place. In fact I told them... "IF the BASTARDS hiding out in the Church would come out to serve..." they seemed shocked that I used the word BASTARDS as emphasized as I did. I explained that some only claim to be Christians, yet their dedication is sadly lacking... or their doctrines are messed... on each count, they agreed. These were "illegitimate" children of God, not really having God as their father. What a conundrum... those who were not Christians serving like they were... and so-called "Christians" living like they are definitely not.
There is a scripture that defines what is obedience and what is not, what is faith and what is not... it uses circumcision as an example. The point made is that if one is circumcised and does not keep the law of God... then his "circumcision" is counted as though he were uncircumcised. And conversely, if one who is not circumcised and obeys the law of God... then his "uncircumcision" is counted as circumcision. Here is the point... if one who is not a "Christian" obeys the Word of God, will not his "unChristianity" be counted as Christianity? And conversely, if one who is a "Christian" obeys NOT the Word of God, will not his "Christianity" be counted as unChristianity??
"For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God." (Romans 2:25-29)
Do we really think that God cares if we are "Christians" in name only? God will not be mocked by our surface platitudes or patronizing lip-service... He sees the heart. He is a righteous Judge, He will surprise many of those on judgement day who thought they were "in" ...and also some who thought they were definitely "out". Jesus said many who call Him "Lord" will be rejected, yet others were surprised that they were accepted...
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.' (Matthew 25:37-40)
It matters little if I can fool you... God knows who are His and who are not. We can all make a good show in the flesh... but God knows our hearts. One of Jesus' miracles that has remained to this day is His Word. He said that His word will never pass away...
and that we will be judged by it some day. It then will be apparent who have been faithful with what they have been given... some are given a lot of truth, and some not so much; yet are faithful to the death. Jesus measured this, not by lip-service, saying "yes" to God... but by actually doing what He said. Jesus said...
"What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, 'Son, go and work today in the vineyard.' "'I will not,' he answered, but later he changed his mind and went. "Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, 'I will, sir,' but he did not go."Which of the two did what his father wanted?" "The first," they answered.Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him." (Matthew 21:28-32)