Be of God
This is Day 4 of my 40 day Lenten Blog.
"Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is you are not of God." (John 8:47).
Most of my life I was not of God. Therefore I did not hear the words of God. I was listening to the words of the world. God's words tell us to "die to self," and "take up your cross and follow me," and "love your neighbor as yourself." The words of the world tell us to "live your truth," and "all is fair in love and war," and "nice guys finish last." The words of God teach us to forget about ourselves our worries, our desires, and to focus on God and others. The words of the world teach us to that we are perfect just the way we are, nothing is wrong if it makes us feel good, and we should follow our heart no matter where it might lead.
Imagine the world we could live in if we were all of God instead of the world. Imagine how wonderful the world would be if each of us cared more about others than our own selfish interests. It would truly be Heaven on Earth. Unfortunately, the world is broken by sin and evil and therefore it is impossible--without assistance from the Holy Spirit--for us to completely die to self in order to serve others. Our sinful nature simply does not allow it and so this is a utopian pipe dream that realists understand can never come true.
However, God promises that this WILL in fact be a reality. At the end of days He will cast out sin and evil and bring Heaven down to Earth and create a New Heaven and a New Earth. We will truly be living selflessly and free of all sin. But how will this occur? This is impossible! "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26). God will purify us, free us from the bonds of sin and evil. But those who reject Him, those who refuse to die to self and instead wish to remain of the world, they will be cast out into the darkness. This is a fate so terrible it is beyond imagination. Therefore, I beg you, be of God. Be of God, not tomorrow, but now. Right now! Because you never know when it will be too late to come to Him.
Today's prayer:
Lord, I am a broken and sinful creature full of pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath and sloth. I care only for myself when I should care for You and for others. Forgive me oh Lord, and help me to break the chains of these sins so that I may serve You instead of serving the world. Change my heart oh Lord so that, even though I do not deserve it, I may one day abide in Your glorious and holy presence for all eternity. Amen.
R.C. VanLandingham is the author of the Christian fantasy novel Peter Puckett & The Amulet of Eternity. He lives in Florida with his beautiful wife and three wonderful boys.