HEBREWS 4:12-13 – For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.”
It may seem rather bold to label and define life by three questions that I am calling the three most important in life, but bear with me as I make my case. Two are asked by our Lord Jesus and one by the Apostle Paul. Just spend a few moments pondering your answers and soon, you will agree with me. They are life’s most important questions for they determine who and what we are living for as well as our eternal destiny.
The first question from the Lord Jesus – “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). Our Lord’s question goes straight to our heart with the skill of a surgeon. Jesus addresses the professing Christian whose life doesn’t match his or her profession. It is so easy to sing, “I love You, Lord” and to say, “Jesus is Lord” with our tongues while our minds, hearts, and wills are not supporting the profession. Now would be the time to ask ourselves, “Does my lifestyle truly reflect a life living in complete submission to the Lordship of Christ?” This would include our relationships, material goods, money, time, talents, and everything else making up our lives. Quite a searching question, huh?
Another question from our Lord addressed to His disciples, and now us, is about His identity. The importance of this cannot be overstated. Our answer determines our eternal destiny – Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:13-17). Here we are confronted with true spirituality. Jesus quizzed His disciples about His identity, and Peter gives the correct answer. But pay attention that it wasn’t Peter’s insight that gave him the right answer. It was God the Father. Are we able to discern the spiritual truth about Jesus? If so, praise the Lord. This was given to us from above and affirms our adoption into God’s family.
Our final important question in life is from the Apostle Paul. Like the two set forth by Jesus, this one “goes straight to the heart” or I should say, “Straight to the mirror” – You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? (Galatians 5:7). Well? Who does keep us from a life of obeying God? Only ourselves. The person we greet in the mirror each day is the one who is responsible and accountable for a life of obedience. In an age of everyone is a victim, we cannot shift blame to anyone else when it comes to obedience.
So, three of the most important questions in life. You might agree about now. May God help us be honest before Him and ourselves in answering them. Then praise Him for such grace that helps us live a life centered on Jesus and obeying His truth.
PRAYER: “Lord, may I learn to live each day conscious of Your will and my obedience.”
QUOTE: “It is the mark of mature Christianity to be wide open to the heart-searching work of the Spirit.”