Every now and then, we find out that something we have believed for a long time is actually a lie. Sometimes it makes little difference, and sometimes it is the impetus for us to change our attitudes, habits, or even world views. Here is a lie that, when I realized it’s error, changed how I, as a Christian, viewed Christian obedience: If I don’t do anything “bad,” I’m good!
Turns out, this is a common one! I may look at someone who is pulled over on the side of the road, there are several police cars around them, they are in cuffs having their car searched, and I am thinking “Wow. My life choices are soooo much better than theirs. I’m so glad I don't do dumb stuff to get me in trouble like that!” But then, I will pass a stranded motorist, and see that they need help, and even though I could help, I would rather not, (because I’m busy, it’s cold, or whatever) so I continue on. But what does Scripture say?
James 4:17 Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to
do and then not do it.
One of the easiest ways to sin, and still convince ourselves that we are fine, is simply by not acting on what we know we should do.
We spend so much time following the thou-shalt-nots, so much time avoiding these “nono’s” that we can be deceived into thinking that that is what obedience looks like. It’s something we learn from an early age.
For those of you who are parents, you know this is why being an example for your children is important. A list of rules that shouldn’t be broken isn’t enough.
I used to work at God’s restaurant, Chick-fil-A, and during the training, at the end of each manual or training video was a list of “don’ts” or things not to do. If you were to perfectly observe that list and never do anything that you weren’t supposed to, that alone wouldn’t be enough to ensure that you kept your job. You had to actively do what you were tasked with to be a successful employee.
In our Christian walk, it’s not enough just to avoid doing “the bad stuff.” We should be seeking and following the Lord’s leading and obeying Him. (For example, when He tells us to love others.) Now, will we lose our “job” if we don’t? No! However, we will miss out on the immense blessing of walking in step with the Lord. If we are His children, and He is our living, loving Savior, then there will be a pull towards obedience to Him, because that is who we are!
1 John 5:2-3 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome,...
So be encouraged as you seek to live for Him out of Love for Him, and remember: A righteous life isn’t a life spent focused on not doing bad things.
A righteous life is a life lived for the sole purpose of glorifying God by following Christ in everything.