Taking actions in applying God’s word
“But what do you think about this? A man with two sons told the older boy, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son answered, ‘No, I won’t go,’ but later he changed his mind and went anyway. Then the father told the other son, ‘You go,’ and he said, ‘Yes, sir, I will.’ But he didn’t go. “Which of the two obeyed his father?” They replied, “The first.” Then Jesus explained his meaning: “I tell you the truth, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the right way to live, but you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to believe him and repent of your sins. Matthew 21:28-32
As the saying goes, “Actions speak louder than words.” From the text, Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for they claim to be obedient to the teachings of God’s word, yet their actions prove otherwise. The Lord Jesus Christ had revealed Himself to the people, who He is and His authority that He is the Lord and Savior. He demands from the people to respond to His claim by faith and obedience. It is never a little thing or a minor thing for God that we claim we know Him yet continually show our rejection of His will. We can make excuses for our lack of obedience and say, “I’ll do it next time or when I get to it,” or “I am not ready right now,” or “Anyway, I do not forget, it is always here in my heart.” But our lack of action no matter how we rationalize or how contrite our excuse, our inaction clearly shows our defiance and disobedience. Disobedience to God is sin. Let us not give in to deception by thinking that having good intentions is the same with obedience. This is why Jesus confronted the people in another occasion when they referred to Him Lord and yet will not obey His will for their lives. “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it” (Luke 6:46-47). As we continue to grow obeying God, all the more we become familiar to His voice and to His will; all the more we find joy in living our lives for His glory. God expects us to obey Him exactly as He tells us. “Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17). Do not just say you want to follow Him instead take a step faith and in obedience act as you are prompted by the Spirit. It is only by our actions following God and His word that will satisfy a desire for obedience.
Blessings,
Noel De Guzman
www.my-wbc.com
