In spite of the bumps and bruises along the way, and the ups and downs, some of which I have been personally responsible for, giving my life to Jesus over forty years ago has been the single greatest thing I have ever done. I have not done many great things in this life: I suppose, possibly none–but this one thing shines above everything. And yet, in spite of it all, I cannot take credit for anything. To God be the glory! I cannot imagine living this life without Him! I am married, I have children, and for all of these I am most grateful and thankful. However my salvation-my life in Christ, has had a greater impact and has affected my life more than anything else I’ve ever done.
This may all sound strange to some. ‘We understand the importance of God in a life, some may say, ‘but more important than family and accomplishments?’ O Yes, yes…a thousand times yes! Jesus is the one who died for me. Jesus is the one who saved me. Jesus is the one who took my sins away. He is the one who keeps me. I could go on and on. You just don’t understand who my Jesus is!
In the final analysis, in the natural, I don’t know how anyone manages to live without Him. On the surface it all seems very innocent, and Satan would have us to see it that way. ‘To each his own’, people say, or ‘that God stuff is all good for you, and I’m glad for you, but it’s not for me’, and now the more popular mantra, ‘You must live in your truth.’ So now truth is whatever I say it is? This is not a new idea, but it is very dangerous. Truth is what God says it is. But, I digress.
The reasons people give for not serving God are many. What they amount to are excuses.They are weak and hold no water and will ultimately doom them to a Christless eternity. Let’s take a look at some of these excuses from scripture. These excuses are what ultimately stood between their soul and the Saviour. Do you have one?
The Rich Young Ruler
Mk.10:21-22 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. This young man couldn’t get out of his own way. His material possessions were keeping him from an eternity with Christ. In spite of this, notice Christ’s attitude toward him. He loved him. Romans 5:8 comes to mind, which says, But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Those Certain Men
Lu.9:59-61 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. These men seemed to have had good intentions, but the cares of this life were more important. No noun should keep us from serving God. No person, place or thing, that is.
The Chief Rulers
Jo.12:42-43 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. This particular group believed on Jesus, but secretly. They cared more about appearances and were concerned about what others thought. This is also unacceptable. They were secret agent Christians; undercover brothers. They needed to ‘come out of the closet’, so to speak, and serve Christ in the light.
The Real Reason
Whatever the excuse people give for not serving God, there is only one legitimate reason; and scripture tells us plainly what it is. 2 Cor.4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. There it is! Satan himself has caused a blindness to come upon the very minds of the unsaved! This is why, in layman’s terms, they just don’t get it. They may think they understand why they don’t serve God, but the problem is much deeper than they can see. The enemy does this because he wants to keep them away from the Light, and away from the Glory. He has seen firsthand, what the power of the gospel can do!
These words speak to both saint and sinner alike: Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid Your heart does the Spirit control? You can only be blessed And have peace and sweet rest As you yield Him your body and soul.
No more excuses. Serve Him. All the way.
That’s The Word! Take it with you. God bless you.