Written by Pastor Jack Wellman– Francis Chan
Works
Isn’t it tempting to do good things for others in the hopes that we are noticed by God, but the truth is, Jesus says “when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” (Luke 17:10) because we cannot brag (Eph 2:8-9) for it is the Spirit in us that make us do good works for Christ, but in the end, this is the only works we need to be concerned about; “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:29). We are not saved by works but for works, but even these has God appointed for us (Eph 2:10).
Legalism
I know of a few Christians who say that they won’t eat this or that or they observe this day or that day over another, but we can all easily drift into the mire of legalism if we’re not careful. The Apostle Paul saw this going on in the church at Rome and so he asked them, “Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God” (Rom 14:10). God’s judgment seat is a one-seater. None of us are qualified to judge our brother or sister and only when serious sin such as sexual immorality, drunkenness, or openly breaking the law should we approach our brother or sister.
Pushing
Some of the most sincere Christians I know have pushed people away from Christ by trying to shove Jesus down their throats, and I ought to know; I was one of them! Let me say from experience that this does so much more harm than good. Learn from my experience. Jesus never once forced Himself on anyone. God doesn’t want us to jam our Bible down people’s throats. We need to be witnesses yes, but we should trust God and leave the results up to Him for He is the Lord of the Harvest. All we do is sow and pray.
Yielded
I don’t like the sticker that reads “God is my copilot” because I would rather have God do the driving. He knows what’s ahead of this dangerous curve that I can’t even see yet! The eyes of faith see an unseen God that is sovereign over all the universe, and so what is my life and future that I cannot trust Him with it? I need to resign as chairman of the board from my own life and put God as the CEO. If we don’t yield to God, He will put a stop sign in front of us!
Conclusion
If you’re like me, then you wanted this to be true: “God interrupt whatever we are doing so that we can join You in what You’re doing.” I would rather follow God’s will and not depend on my own works; drift into legalism; start pushing people to be saved; and yield my life to Christ.
