Reaction or response v23n14

Reaction or response?

v23n14

Reaction: a tendency to return to a former or opposite state of things; the opposing force exerted on an agent or a body on which it acts; consequences.

Response: an act or feeling called forth by something; to answer or the act of answering.

Faith is by hearing the message delivered by the Word of God, Christ; and then acting or responding to it in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth by God within His Word. When you hear God’s Word, do you react or respond to it?

Matthew 22:1-6, 1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. KJV

People for the most part, are more apt or likely to react to the Word of God, then they are to respond to it. The Word tells us clearly, that many are called, but few are chosen. It is a strait and narrow path and there are few that put forth the proper effort in order to locate it, and then maintain their walk on it. (Matt 7:13-14, John 8:31-32) Most react to the invitation to the wedding feast, by and with the things that they have been taught or trained with, according to the traditions and doctrines of man. Few respond to it with a clear and concise understanding of the terms and conditions that Father has set forth. Most are spiritually clothed and attired as they think, for they have gone about to establish their own righteousness, rather then receiving and utilizing that which Father has made available. The free gift!

Many are called, but few respond or answer God according to His Word. This happens because they react to the wedding invitation without regard or concern for the instructions given. (2Tim 3:16-17, Eccl 5:1-3) Most come to the wedding feast as they please, because they did not listen to, nor follow the instructions given. And since they ignored the terms and conditions of the invitation, they will be rejected as they try or attempt to enter the wedding feast.

Luke 6:46, And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? KJV

Many call Him Lord, but, do they do the things that He has asked of them? In order for a person to properly respond, they have to hear the instructions, come to a place of competently understanding them (the instructions), and then follow them precisely. However, many do as they please in their relationship with God. They base what they are doing, on what they have observed others doing, and then react to the Word, by the examples they have seen, and think is best suited for their lifestyle. So why do they call Him Lord, and yet ignore that which He asks of them? (Matt 7:21-23)

Luke 9:57-58, 57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. 58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. KJV

All that profess to say they are Christians, are quick to say that they will follow Him. Most people do react to the Word of God. Once the people have heard the Word, they then begin to analyze that which they have heard, then contemplate that which they have said that they have come into agreement with. Once they have thoroughly assessed the situation, they then change their response, or in other words, they react to the Word. Did the person mentioned in Luke follow through with his first response that he would follow the Lord?

It always looks or appears easier then it is, when one watches someone else perform a task. Often times in life, one thinks that because they have watched someone else perform a task several times, that they can just step in and do the same job with the same efficiency immediately. They are soon to be discouraged having this kind of an attitude, for they are quick to find out that it was not quite as easy as it appeared to be, or as they assumed it to be. One has to attentively read and hear all of the instructions, and then perform them, or carry them out as prescribed, in order for them to work exactly as God intended them to. (Eccl 12:9-12, 2Tim 2:15)

Often times the people are following the preacher or pastor, rather then being a follower of Christ. They are quicker to tell people of what denomination they are, then to simply and plainly state that they are a Christian, or one of His. To those that watched and observed Jesus Christ in His daily walk for the 3 ½ years of His public ministry, it probably appeared or looked quite simple. There was never a lack, all of His needs were provided for by Father, and was always able to assist those that were operating in faith. Yet, when the Lord described His lot or position in life here on this earth, there is no recorded answer by this person that was at first, so willing to follow. (2Tim 3:12)

Luke 9:59-60, 59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. 60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. KJV

Here we are able to see another person that was quick to react to the Lord, and the proposition proposed to him, to come and follow Him. Yet, when pressed with this matter and to carry out his that which he had acknowledged, the cares and concerns of this world, quickly choked out the Word of God. How often is it, that people tell God that they will serve Him, once they have tended to the needs of their earthly family? How can they be of any lasting benefit, without being grounded in the Word? How would you react or respond, if faced with this situation?

Luke 9:61-62, 61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. 62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. KJV

Here we see yet another person that reacts to the call of God. Since this persons friendship with the world was of more importance to them, then their relationship with God, they too found an excuse to not do that which was asked of them. Often times, a persons friends and possessions are of more importance or greater value to them, then to hear, receive and do that which Father is asking of them.

Many people that own a car, seldom give thought to what it takes to properly maintain it, until the car develops problems, or becomes totally disabled. Some, will remember to change the oil, but neglect or ignore the ignition system and tires. Yet, unless one reads the instruction manual, and then performs the proper maintenance at the appropriate times scheduled, they could find their vehicle broke down or stranded in the most inhospitable place.

Isn’t this the same way or attitude that many have in regards to their Christianity?

For many that call themselves Christians, they think that faith is like a credit card that they can carry in their wallet or purse, and pull it out whenever they have problems or get into trouble. They try to use it for the lusts and desires that the flesh craves, in this present world. Yet, this is not how faith works or operates. It is not a bunch of numbers or verses that a person can memorize, and then hope that if recited, they will work at any given time.

Faith, (Eph 4:7, Rom 12:3, Eph 2:8-9) is by hearing the message delivered by the Word of God, Christ; and then responding to it in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth within God’s Word. (the Bible)

Faith is not a magical formula that some think that it is. Nor, is it a magic wand that one can wave over their problems. Faith is an actual way of life, as set forth by the terms and conditions set forth in God’s Word. Faith is hearing the message delivered by and through Christ Jesus, and then responding to it, by allowing it to become a way of life. For His Word is Spirit and it is life to those that find it, accept it, and receive it into their life.

Today, are you responding to the Word of God, or only reacting to it?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka