DO WE – –
Do we cherish free-will because it frees us to love, worship and serve God, or is it mostly that we can “accept Christ” to avoid hell when we die?
Is obeying, serving, and pleasing God burdensome or exhilarating? Does it handicap or liberate us? Is it in the forefront of our minds in the decisions and choices of life or is it a secondary influence – – kept mostly for Sundays and church talk?
Do we view obedience as the narrow gate into the wonderful life that we were created for, or do we try to “beat the system” by staying on the broad way and sneaking into the Kingdom through the wide gate? (Mt. 7:13-14, 21-23)
FOR EXAMPLE
Jesus expects that fulfilling the Mt. 28:18-20 Great Commission will be the driving force in our lives – – like winning our salvation was for Him. Is it?
Do we somehow justify loving the world and the things of the world even though I John 2:15 says that if we do, the love of the Father is not in us?
Is “Do not,” as in “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” in Mt. 6:19, a suggestion or a command?
How much do our identity, fulfillment and overall sense of well-being come from God, and how is that proven in what we have and want; in where we go; in our use of resources; and in our words? Do our lifestyle and relationships testify that we are Jesus’ disciples?
Do we claim God’s forgiveness while refusing to forgive others? (Mt. 6:14-15)
Do we judge (condemn) the hearts and motives of others, or do we extend mercy, as we depend on mercy from God? (Mt. 7:1-3, James 2:12-13)
Taking up our cross daily and dying to self (Luke 9:23-26) is a “set in concrete” prerequisite for disciples of Jesus. Why don’t our preachers tell us that?
How much does our life motivate others to want to follow Him?
Free-will offers several possibilities and we’re free to choose what we’ll do with it, but we can’t escape the consequences of our choices because God is sovereign and He gets the last word.
Ken Stoltzfus
Kidron, OH USA
May 1, 2021
CLICK HERE for a printable pdf.
You ask very good questions… Seems I fail often…. Lord HELP me…
Thanks Mike. Yes, WE fail often but we’re BEING transformed and becoming more and more like Jesus, little by little. Mike, you have the kind of humble and sincere heart that pleases God. Let’s keep pressing on together. Ken
Together… Yes Sir