After watching this, I thought about it all day long. Had a fruitful conversation about it with my husband last night, and then woke up with thoughts about it.
What kept going through my mind is the question of whether Jesus knows me. Am I one of those who call out "Lord, Lord..." but is basically unknown? I fall short in so many ways.
So many religions, mine included, teach that once you accept Jesus as Lord, that's it, you're saved. Say the magic words, even at your life's end, and you're saved. My church is full of lukewarm Christians who argue about whether tithing is necessary or whether is okay to lie to our husbands about money, etc. Its as if they think they're on easy street - the road to their salvation is paved and guaranteed.
But when I read the bible, I'm struck by Jesus' repeated warnings - and he's talking to those most devote. He's talking about total obedience, and repeated repentance when we go astray. The bar is high, higher than we often think.
I know I'm lazy and I like things of this world. I read murder mysteries full of violence and profanities, I've watched and enjoyed Sopranos, I enjoy some R-rated and PG-13 movies. I've excused myself because I'm only human, its okay to be entertained, etc. But what if these very things bring unholiness into my life and separate me from God? What if God wants from me total obedience and focus on Him. Would I read or watch these things?
Thank you again for sharing this message. It's helped me see where I need further pruning.
I'm glad it touched you like it did. It really makes you think. I rarely experience that anymore. It's so good to examine yourself.
I found some verses in Scripture where it talks about the Lord examining us. Psalm 11:4, 11:5, 17:3, Psalm 26:2, Jeremiah 17:10, Jeremiah 20:12, etc. etc.
Also here's one about examining yourself. Lamentations 3:40 "Let us
examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD." Alos, 1 Corinthians 11:28 "A man ought to
examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup." And even another.. 2 Corinthians 13:5 "
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you -- unless, of course, you fail the test?"
How scary! I watched this and just like you, I noticed things I need to really work on. It's so easy to point out faults in others, it seems, but hard to look at yourself and what you're doing wrong. There's really a lot of things I need to pray about and work on.
It's so important to live a changed life, and to Love what God Loves, and Hate what God Hates. You can't be saved and still be your old self by any means. There's a transformation that has to happen. In the way you think, the way you act, the way you dress, the words that come out of your mouth. There are a lot of things I wish I would have said but never did, so many things are way more important than the meaningless day to day chatter. Unfortunately it's easy to overlook that.
I wish you the best and will be praying for you!
God bless and keep you,
Amy
If you have any questions please feel free to PM me.
