Because I did so, I am accepted, because I did as I was instructed to do, commanded to do, I have therefore met the expectations of the one to whom I am responsible to, and now I am accepted.
“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” (Eph. 1:6)
If you perform the tasks commanded upon you by your employer, your teacher, your parents, anyone who is in a position of authority over you, you will be accepted by them, at least in relation to the task. Your private life, your personal thoughts, even the internal attitude that you have toward these tasks are immaterial to them, the completion of the task in the manner specified is all that matters.
It is Sunday morning where I live, in an hour or so vehicles will begin to traverse the streets, pews will no longer be empty, the music will start, words will be spoken, heads will be bowed. Ten minutes after the closing prayer, the pews, as well as the parking lots, will be completely empty.
The task will have been completed.
“And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief.” (Matt. 13:58)
How many people anticipate with great enthusiasm Sunday morning, how many desire to see this day approach? How many relish the opportunity with joy in their heart to serve the Living God in true worship in the assembly of believers? How many sit in the pews and contemplate at length the message, staying after the service to discuss the topic given, searching, questioning, seeking the face of God, giving no thought to the time, no thought to the world?
I arrived on time, as expected, I sat and listened, sang the songs, maintained a reverential position, as expected. I did not forsake the assembling together, as commanded. Now I have places to go, people to see and things to do.
Have a nice day, see you next week.
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2nd Tim. 3:5)
When we are commanded to do something, the one who commands us expects us to obey. What has the Lord Jesus Christ commanded those who serve Him to do? Was it just the words He spoke of Himself, or was it everything written concerning Him in the New Testament? Are there parts and pieces in the Old Testament that are to be obeyed by those who have been saved by grace through faith?
What we have been commanded to do we are expected to do, but what if we do not do them all, what if we only obey certain tasks set before us? What should we expect if we disobey? What if we do not perform those tasks with a willing, open and humble heart solely for the glory of the Most High?
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” (John 10:27)
We cannot see the Lord Jesus Christ with our physical eyes, we follow Him by adhering to His words, the truths of the Scriptures.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34)
The emotion of love, if not followed by an action of love, is not loving as we have been commanded to love. And performing that task simply because we have been commanded to is not love, it is simply a task we perform because we believe it is expected of us.
And so, since I have completed the task, no matter my own personal feelings, no matter the attitude of my heart, I am now accepted in the beloved.
Right?
Ten minutes after the Sunday morning service the church will be empty, as well as the parking lot. The world is calling, task completed.
See you next week.
