Tragedy of Rejection
Good morning brethren, I like to write on what I have titled “Tragedy of rejection.” Scripture in Matthew 7:23 says “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Accepting Jesus as your personal Saviour and Lord means that you trust in the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross of Calvary for your salvation. Unfortunately there are some set of persons who think or believe that their good deeds will be enough to earn them a place in heaven. They have never made a decision for Christ, they may be busy with church work and have placed performance before commitment. Unfortunately for such persons, Jesus may say to them, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23). My main purpose of writing on this topic is to challenge or provoke us to do the needful or what I call a true believer due diligence. Lamentation 3:40 charges us to search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the Lord. The place of a continuous inventory on ourselves is a must, 1 Corinthians 10:12 says “Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” In addition Apostle Paul counselled believers in 2 Corinthians 13:5, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves”.
As a believer it is advisable to periodically take inventory of our spiritual status (checklist), this could help to review our progress and make necessary adjustments where necessary. Let us see an example of a checklist that could help us on self-evaluation of our conversions. Firstly, is your love for Christ or for this world? Believers are called to love God wholeheartedly, we are in the world but not of the world (1 John 2:15-16). Secondly, do you struggle with sin? Scripture in Romans 6:12 says “So do not let sin have power over your body here on earth. You must not obey the body and let it do what it wants to do”. This does not mean that a believers may not fall into temptation but that he or she must confess, submit to God for help and forgiveness (1 John 2:1). Thirdly, evaluate yourself on your love level for your neighbour (1 John 4:20 - 21), “do you love your neighbour?” Another point to consider is where do you lay your treasure (Matthew 6:19–21). Unfortunately many people base their happiness on their spending power (buying and possessing things), believers are equipped with success to help others and do Gods work. Another inventory to carry out on yourself is on Romans 1:16, are you ashamed of the gospel of Christ? There is no such thing as a secret believer or Christian hence we are to use every opportunity to share our testimony of Christ with others. Another point to consider is “how often do you study the word of God and pray? Knowledge is key to self examination. Scripture in Jeremiah 15:16 says Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart.” Jeremiah spoke of God’s word as one with appetite.
We also read on how the Psalmist in Psalm 55:17 says “evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.” Another test to carry out is in our level of wanting or desiring to fellowship with other brethren (Hebrews 10:24-25). The Psalmist in Psalms 27:4 says “One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I will look for: that I may live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to look upon the beauty of the Lord, and to worship in His holy house. Another important area to reflect on is the inner joy we enjoy in serving God, do you have peace? Scripture in Psalm 119:165 says “Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” please note that God give peace to His children, do you have peace that surpasses all understanding, even when life throws challenges at you? Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 4:9 “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
In conclusion, please note that exercising your gifts does not replace the acts of love, therefore be certain of your relationship with Christ by a continuous check or inventory on yourself. Thanksgiving service is for 10.30am and workers meeting is for 10am. God’s blessings - Mike