Tell the World

Would you consider yourself to be a good person? I think most people would probably say they are. They would justify this by saying that they try to do things right and have done more good than bad. And in an age of moral relativism who knows what good even means?

Jesus was once approached by a young man who asked him what he should do to inherit eternal life. Notice that he call Jesus "good teacher". And Jesus, rather than just answering the question, comes back with one of his own. "Why do you call me good? No one is good- except God alone".

How are we to say that we are good when Jesus himself says that "no one is good". What kind of standard must he be referring to? For surely I am a good person.

Jesus' standard for Good is the Law given in the Ten Commandments! When we measure ourselves against the unshakeable, eternal, and very politically incorrect Law of God, we realize very quickly that none of us are good.

Here is a good test for you to see whether or not you are a good person (in God's eyes).

Have you ever told a lie? Even a small little lie? If so, what does that make you (what do we call people who tell lies?)?

Have you ever stolen anything? Money, a piece of gum, a little something from school or work? What does that make you?

Here is a big one. Have you ever committed adultery? Did you know that Jesus said that if you look at a woman with lust in your heart you have already committed adultery?

If you are honest with your self, you will realize that you (as I am) are a liar, thief and an adulterer. And that is only three of the ten Commandments!

Paul says that he would not have know what sin was apart from the Law. Without us measuring our lives against God's standard, we will always think we are good- or at least better than others.

One day we will all be judged by God- and the standard will be perfection. Will you be guilty or innocent? In light of what you just admitted to yourself and God, will He let you into Heaven or will He send you to Hell?

If your honest assessment is that you would be sent to Hell (because there is no place for liars, fornicators, homosexuals, perverts, thieves in Heaven- see here and here) then I hope this concerns you.

So what are you going to do about it?

Before you read this post, please click here and read Katie's awesome post titled "Here I am to Worship".

What a great reminder that is to all of us who claim Christ as our Lord. Having grown up in a soccer crazed nation (Brazil) where your commitment to your team and the game is often the biggest thing in your life, I often saw outrageous demonstrations of devotion for one's team. No one ever thought it was weird- it was cool and funny and even motivating. We would pack the Maracana Stadium and jump and chant our allegiance to our team!

How much more should we be outrageous in our love for our Savior. He gave us the most outrageous demonstration of love- the giver of life became obedient to death!
I pray that I would desire to worship and honor my God more than anything else in my life.