“Today, millions of church goers feel what they believe is more important than how they live.”
According to a study from Lifeway Research on the wide impact of pornography in America, “43 percent of people who use the Internet visit pornographic websites. Some 40 million Americans are regular visitors to Porn sites, with pornographic downloads representing 35 percent of all Internet downloads. Of the 40 million regular visitors, 33 percent are women. A full 70 percent of men age 18-24 visit porn sites monthly.” And Lifeway asked pastors about the impact of pornography on their congregations, and concluded that, “Large numbers of church attendees are included in the nearly half of all Internet users who visit porn sites.”
Wow! It appears that millions of professing Sunday morning Christians, after they attend church and hear the Word of God preached, go back home and stare at sexual images and videos on their phones or computers. How is that possible?
This highlights a massive problem in the American church. First, we have an urgent situation with porn in the pew. Second, the even bigger issue, is the disconnect between what someone professes and how they live. This means millions of people feel what they believe, is more important than how they live. It means they see obedience to God as merely optional.
Somehow large numbers of professing Christians have been exposed to a teaching that conveys how obedience to God does not matter. They have been taught to believe certain things, make certain religious professions and do certain religious duties, then God’s mercy will cover whatever they do not get right, and their home in heaven will be certain.
Since Jesus is the foundation of Christianity, is this what He taught?
Days before Jesus went to the cross, He spent much time alone with His disciples, preparing them for what was to come. He stressed the importance of two truths - love and obedience. He taught, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15) Then again, He said, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me.” (Jn. 14:21) And another time, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word…” (Jn. 14:23) And finally, “Whoever does not love me does not keep my words.” (Jn 14:24)
Jesus, the Master Teacher, was not emphasizing mere rule keeping to His disciples, but obedience to Him that springs from a heart of love. Not a romantic love that is mere feeling. No. Instead, a love that is rational, deliberate and willing to lay down one’s life for Him if necessary.
Obedience is non-negotiable. It is a must! It is an expression of true saving faith and authentic love toward Christ, who loved and obeyed His own Father by giving all for Him through the cross. Let us follow Jesus’ example.
This is so important. Everyone is heading toward an appointment with God their Creator. On Judgement Day He will examine each of us. When He does and says, “Why should I let you into my heaven?” What will you say? Jesus once predicted exactly how conversations will end up playing out. He stated that people will come to Him and say, “Lord, Lord” and He will reply, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46) And that will be it. Our mouths will be shut, unable to offer any response and our eternal fate sealed.
While we still have time, let us get it right. Today, let us obey His command to stop sinning, and bring to an end, the sinful things we are doing. Let us obey His command to trust in Him with all our heart for our acceptance and forgiveness, and stop trusting in our own goodness and the religious things we do. Let us obey His command to walk in holiness and faithful obedience to Him until our final breath.
A prayer for you - Lord God, help us to recognize the importance of belief, but also of obedience. Help us to see the connection between a genuine love for Christ and genuine obedience. Help us O, Lord to live a life of faithfulness unto you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
