A very full day Father, and I am grateful that You were part of it from start to finish. Early this morning I thought to “expect the unexpected” and though it didn’t cross my mind again – it’s a start. I felt Your hand upon my shoulder numerous times throughout the day. Thank You, Father.
John 6:28-32a (<<click here to read the passage)
One of the most difficult aspects of following Jesus for many believers is struggling to do all the things that we think we should be doing. For many, it includes a fairly hefty list of things we are not supposed to be doing as well.
Growing up the list of “do nots” was more prominent in my mind than the list of “dos”. (I wrote about my experience with do not go to movies a couple of years back – clink on STAR WARS – My Downfall?) Besides movies, and the Ten Commandments, we weren’t allowed to dance, and early on the list forbade billiards (pool), circuses, wearing jewelry, no pants, or makeup or short hair for women, no long hair for men, boys and girls couldn’t swim together, just to name a few of the many “do nots!
I truly believe that those who came up with these lists were honorable in their intentions. They were trying to place a hedge of protection around followers of Christ. If all those things were shunned, you wouldn’t be exposed to the temptations they could bring. But like many who placed great emphasis on those types of legalism, it led to believers being very judgmental of others who didn’t closely follow their list of “do nots” – believers and non-believers alike.
My Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation as this to say,
Many sincere seekers for God are puzzled about what he wants them to do. The religions of the world are people’s attempts to answer this question. But Jesus’ reply is brief and simple: We must believe on him whom God has sent. Satisfying God does not come from the work we do, but from whom we believe. The first step involves accepting that Jesus is who he claims to be. All spiritual development is built on this affirmation. Declare to Jesus, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16) and embark on a life of belief that is satisfying to your Creator.
We surely must shun evil, as it is always lurking about attempting to lure us in with all kinds of enticing appeals. But in the end, the most important aspect of our relationship with Jesus is not about what we do or don’t do…it is about whom we believe.
Lord Jesus, may we truly come to believe that You are the God in the flesh, the Chosen One of the Father. By our sin, we disconnected ourselves from You, but You came here to enable us, by sacrificing Yourself on the cross, to be reconnected to You. May our focus be not on the doing but on the believing and may we let Your working in us take care of the rest! Amen.
June 2nd, 2021, Wed, 9:41 pm
