Casual observers v23n19

Casual observers?

V23 n19

Casual: happening by chance; an air of indifference; irregular.

For many (Matt 7:13-14) they will acknowledge or say that they are Christians, as long as things appear or seem to be going smoothly, or according to their plans, and their expectations. (2Cor 5:7, applied in the reverse; that is, walking by sight or the appearance of things, rather then by faith in God and His Word). As long as things are going smoothly according to their idea and plans, then most will proclaim to be Christians; that they are indeed followers of Christ. However, what is their response going to be when persecution or affliction arises for the sake of this gospel message? (2Tim 3:12, John 15:18-21, Luke 9:57-62).

Many Christians are trying to dictate to God the terms and conditions by which they will serve Him. Whether their thoughts and ideas of success are based in and on the riches of this world, or the power of this world, or whether or not they will be looked up to by the people of this world, (Heb 11:24-27), these are not the things that describe or determine a follower of Christ. (1Tim 6:6-10, 1Cor 1:24, Luke 6:26). It is as one accepts this gift of faith, and then continues in this faith, (hearing and obeying this message delivered by the Word of God, Christ), by allowing it to become rooted, grounded and settled in the heart, will then determine who indeed is a follower of Christ. (John 8:31-32, Eph 1:13, Col 1:23).

Matthew 26:55-56, In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. KJV

People will often boast of all that they will do for God. Yet, what do they do, and how do they react when things or times do get tough? (John 15:18-21, Heb 12:2, Luke 6:22-24, Mark 13:13, Matt 5:11-12, Isa 53:3-9, Isa 66:5, 1Pet 4:12-15). Does one look for an excuse or reason to back away for a period of time? Will they wait for things to calm down a bit before continuing on? How will you react when persecution comes knocking at your door? The testing or trying of one’s faith, is determined by how well one has listened to and then put into practice the message delivered by Christ. That is, having allowed the Word of God into their heart, hearing the instructions that Father gives, and then allowing that Word to become an actual way of life and living. One who is led and taught by the Spirit of God. (1John 2:20,27). One who is led and guided by the Spirit of truth, into all that truth that is according to His Word. Not that which is based in and on man’s traditions and doctrines.

How much would it take for you to flee? How long do casual observers stay around when things begin to heat up?

Matthew 26:69-75, 69 Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of Galilee. 70 But he denied before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. 71 And when he was gone out into the porch, another maid saw him, and said unto them that were there, This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth. 72 And again he denied with an oath, I do not know the man. 73 And after a while came unto him they that stood by, and said to Peter, Surely thou also art one of them; for thy speech betrayeth thee. 74 Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly. KJV

Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. (John 8:29, Heb 11:6). The measure of faith (Rom 12:2), the measure of the gift of Christ (Eph 4:4-7), is presented to each and every believer at the moment of the new birth. (That is when they confess Jesus Christ as Lord of their life. Rom 10:9-10). (John 3:3-8, Rom 8:8-9, 2Cor 5:16-17, Acts 1:5). Many forget the fact, that at the time that Peter made these denials, he had not yet been born again. Pentecost had not yet happened. (Joel 2:28, Acts 2:16-18). How often does one get one self in the same kind of trouble, when one tries to stand in and on their own, apart from the Word of God?

Many people will make brash and bold statements for God. Yet, when the persecution arises or comes, what is their response? Did you also notice, that each time that Peter denied knowing the Lord, that his denials became more emphatic and pronounced? How good or solid are the promises that you make to God? Are they based in and on your ability, or His?

God has not given us the spirit of fear! Rather, He has given us power, by the Spirit of His Son, Christ. (Rom 8:9, 2Cor 5:17, Phil 4:13, Rom 8:15-16, 1Cor 2:12, Gal 4:5-7). It is this power, the Spirit of Christ within the believer, that enables one to triumph over all of the power of the enemy, providing they continue to abide in Him. (Matt 16:16-19, Eph 6:16, Rom 8:37, John 14:12). It is this power (1Cor 1:24) that enables one to maintain their relationship with Father. (John 14:6). This fellowship or communion with the Father, must be maintained on a daily basis, by and through His Spirit. (John 4:23-24, Heb 3:13, Rom 12:2, Matt 6:16). One must continue in this message delivered by Christ, each and every day. (Heb 11:1).

For God so loved the world, that he gave His Son as a ransom for the world. And, whosoever will recognize and accept this love, by believing in and on the name of His Son, will be saved. Delivered from the power of darkness by His power, and translated into the kingdom of His dear Son. Made new and whole; that is, that new creation in Christ! Feeding and nurturing that new creation with that heavenly manna and living waters, that will enable one to grow up into Him in all things.

It is as one feeds off of and from the truth of His Word, that a sound mind will be produced. One will choose to walk in agreement with God, regardless of what people will say or do against them. They will avoid and ignore any evil communications, for they will not want to allow anything or anyone to disrupt or pollute their sound mind that is renewed and stabilized by His Word. After all, we are to come out from among the world, and to be separate unto the Lord. Presenting one self to Him, a living sacrifice, that is, one alive by the Spirit of Christ.

Carnal observers, only become involved or committed when it will benefit their cause, and their beliefs. They will become involved if they think they can profit physically from it. (Aren’t we supposed to seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness? Matt 6:6-7, Matt 6:33-34, 1Cor 1:30). Most will do things for God, when they become the focus of attention, or they think they will receive the praise and accolades of man. (Luke 6:26, Gal 1:10, 16, 1Thess 2:4-6).

Can one be a casual observer, and still remain a follower of Christ? NO! He that is not with Him, is against Him! Those that are lukewarm will be spued out. Christianity is a real way of life. (Heb 10:19-23). It is not something that one talks about at only certain places, or at certain times. If we deny Him before men, He will deny us before the Father. Being a Christian is more than just being a good person. To be a follower of Christ means to be Christ-like. How well does your life reflect Father’s thoughts and way?

Today, are you just a casual observer, or, a partaker of His divine nature?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ

Larry Gazelka