It's not rocket science

“It’s so complicated,” she cried, “I just cannot understand what the Lord wants from me.”  The woman was going through a difficult time in life, to be sure.  She was without peace, confused and torn. She was filled with guilt.  Why, she wanted to know. Though she did not actually say the words, her real charge was that God had failed her. No, in truth, she failed God. She refused to practice even the basics of Christianity.  By her own admission, her attendance at worship gatherings was sporadic.  She admitted that she seldom prayed, never read from the Bible, and spent no time in serving anyone other than herself. Yet, she was questioning the faith, wondering why she did not experience the blessing of the Spirit promised to those who live ‘in Christ.’ 

Living the Christian life is not rocket science!  One does not need a doctorate in theology, a genius intellect, or a superior ability in logic to know and love Christ.  The Lord asks a child-like faith from us. “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” (Luke 18:16-17, NIV)  If we want to experience the rewards of the faith, we must be willing to live the life to which He calls, to do the basics.  Jesus asks, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46, NIV)  What’s the use of singing songs that do not reflect our heart’s intent? What’s the point of claiming Him as our God, if we continue to worship Self?  If we become humble, if we readily obey, we will surely know the richness of His promise. "Anyone who comes and listens to me and obeys me is like someone who dug down deep and built a house on solid rock. When the flood came and the river rushed against the house, it was built so well that it didn’t even shake." (Luke 6:47-48, CEV)  

The very real grace of God that is provided to us freely through Christ, that takes away our guilt and restores us to our place in the family of God, can never be earned or bought.  We can never be good enough to merit the acceptance of the Almighty. Grace is a gift, pure and simple.  The way of the follower (Christian discipleship) is a choice we make every day. If we do not obey the Spirit’s lead, we will not experience the life into which He alone can lead us. After speaking of the power of Christ to save, the Word requires a response in us. "You should consider yourselves dead to sin and able to live for the glory of God through Christ Jesus. Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its lustful desires. Do not let any part of your body become a tool of wickedness, to be used for sinning. Instead, give yourselves completely to God since you have been given new life. And use your whole body as a tool to do what is right for the glory of God." (Romans 6:11-13, NLT)

God will give us the strength we need to live in the Spirit. But, it’s not magical, instantaneous, or effortless. There’s some dying to do! We have to let go of old ways that we find comforting because of their familiarity. We have to embrace a new hope that is not focused on satisfying our sensual appetites. We have to give ourselves away to Christ.  Grace is free, but it is not cheap. Discipleship is possible, but it is not easy.

Here’s the word from the Word.  Pray to receive the Truth with the heart of a child.
"I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! …  

There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I’ve warned you of them many times; sadly, I’m having to do it again. All they want is easy street. … Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites. But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven! We’re waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ, who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him." (Philippians 3:12-21, The Message)

_______

Jesus Never Fails

So many souls have tested Him

Throughout the course of time.

So many still reach out to Him

With broken hearts and minds.

And ev'ryone of them will say,

With no exception that they find,

“Jesus never fails.”

Sometimes this world brings trouble

We find so hard to bear.

We know we couldn't make it

Without Jesus being there.

It's so encouraging to know,

However deep we're in despair,

That - Jesus never fails.

Jesus never fails.

Jesus never fails.

You might as well

Get thee behind me, Satan,

You cannot prevail

Because Jesus never fails.

Gary Driskell

© 1983 Straightway Music (a div. of EMI Christian Music Publishing)

CCLI License # 810055