Living Evidence!

When something is being investigated, evidence is sought to determine what is true and what is not. Care is taken to uncover evidence that might be small and easily overlooked while other evidence may be rather obvious. Sometimes in a court what is said during cross examination may be different than what the recovered evidence declares. Though that evidence may make no sound, it can often speak louder that all the affirmations or denials one might offer. What kind of evidence is associated with our life?

We sing, "JESUS IS LORD." Sometimes we simply declare it. We respond affirmatively when asked if WE LOVE JESUS. We say we are THANKFUL JESUS GAVE His life for our sins. BUT, what does our life declare?

In Paul's second letter to Timothy we read. . .
"(19) But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: 'THE LORD KNOWS THOSE WHO ARE HIS,' and, 'LET EVERYONE WHO NAMES THE NAME OF THE LORD DEPART FROM INIQUITY.' " ( 2 Timothy 2:19 ESV)

First, though it may not always be clear to others, THE LORD KNOWS. He knows what is within a person and need not be told anything about us. ( John 2:24-25) Secondly, if Jesus is truly LORD OF OUR LIFE, there ought to be something about the manner in which we live that supports the claim. To claim JESUS IS LORD and then go and live in ways contrary to His Will is a denial of HIS LORDSHIP. In fact, it would appear to be more of a declaration of self being lord of our life! To follow Him means leaving the old self behind.

Jesus Himself declared. . .
"(21) Not everyone who says to me, 'LORD LORD,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my father who is in heaven. (22) On that day many will say to me, 'LORD, LORD, did we not prophesy IN YOUR NAME, and cast out demons IN YOUR NAME, and do many mighty works IN YOUR NAME? (23) And then will I declare to them, "I NEVER KNEW YOU; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.' " ( Matthew 7:21-23 ESV)

Doing even good works and then trying to stamp them with the Name of Jesus is of no significance if we are not doing His Will. The Lord knows whether or not we really belong to Him! And if it is not true, He will not acknowledge us as His. Rather than fearing being told to "depart from me", we should truly keep Him as the LORD OF OUR LIFE so that the departure is for us to "depart from iniquity." After all, the life in Christ is to be marked by having died to sin and living to God. ( Romans 6:11) May Jesus truly be the LORD OF OUR LIFE, for it is in Him we have it for an eternity!

Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING HIS LORDSHIP BY DOING HIS WILL!
Carl

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