Isaiah shared with us a message that from time
to time needs to be reiterated (Isaiah 29:13-16). He warned of
impending judgment and woe upon those who "...draw near with
their words ... honor me with lip service ... but remove their
hearts far from me." How easy it is for us to fall into the
same situation, removed from God, though we claim that we are
near Him.
Looking just before this passage, Isaiah explains
just how Israel made it to such a low position as this. They refused
to read the words of God as instructed. He asked the literate
to read His scroll, but they refused because it was sealed. He
asked the illiterate to read it, and they refused because they
could not read. It is easy to find excuses for lack of service
to God. God is not looking for excuses; He is looking for servants.
Matthew 7:21, "Not everyone who says to me,
'Lord, Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven but he that doeth
the will of my father who is in heaven." This passage refers
to two things that must be explored. The first to examine is lip
service. The second is life-service. God demands both, not one
without the other.
Paul clearly proclaims to the Romans that confession
of Christ is made with the mouth (Rom. 10:9-10). If we are unwilling
to make this confession, then Christ will not confess us before
the Father (Mt. 10:32-33). Christians must be willing to call
forth the name of Jesus Christ and tell the world that He is the
Son of God and Savior of the world. Paul calls this the "good
confession" that was made by both Timothy and Jesus Christ
(1 Ti. 6:12_13). Those who love Jesus Christ and long for His
appearing must be about His Father's business, telling others
who Jesus is and how to come to know Him.
However, simply saying that we believe is not
enough. Christians must also show their belief in a life that
mirrors the Bible. Peter commands, "But as He which called
you is holy, so be ye holy ..." (1 Pt. 1:15). Paul tells
us in Romans 12:1 that our lives should be "living and holy
sacrifices," and that is the only way to be acceptable to
God. In conjunction with our verbal expression of Christ, there
must also be a visible display in our lives not showing the world
how great we are as people, but showing the world how great He
is as God. We must be the city set on the hill that will not be
hidden by the darkness of the world (Mt. 5:14). The only way that
we will ever please God is to give life-service to accompany our
lip service.
How do we do that? Romans 12:2 continues Paul's
thought and tells us to renew our minds so that we can be transformed
to that which is above. Remember, Isaiah's warning was to those
who found excuses not to pick up God's word and read it. In order
to give the proper life-service to God, we must study His word
and know what we ought to do. Then we can be "workmen who
needeth not be ashamed" (2 Ti. 2:15).
Here is what it all boils down to. Christians
must be the "needle in the compass" that points the
way to Christ. If we say, "Go find Christ," no one will
ever take our direction. If we say as Philip did when inviting
Nathanael to see Jesus, "Come and see," (Jn. 1:46) then
there is greater hope they will follow. If your life shows who
a Christian should be, people will listen to the confession of
your mouth. Then you can be one who receives the reward of heaven
and the crown of righteousness that is appointed for all who love
the Lord and His appearing (2 Ti. 4:8). 735 Hwy 72A, Walnut, MS
38683.
(Editor's note: Brother Steven Haguewood has accepted
the invitation of the North End church of Christ, Parkersburg,
WV, to work with them, and, the Lord willing, he will soon move
to West Virginia.)