As I sit alone and ponder just what is in the title Christian, it becomes more clearer to me, a sinner, that I cannot offer anything to the Lord except my humbleness and obedience and accept His gift of Salvation through faith and trust. However, that also brings to mind other deep questions about being a Christian. These questions have divided us over the centuries but in reality are fundamental if one takes the simple route to the answer.
Let me start by saying that in my relationships with others I must not judge others for their deeds but that which overwhelms me and which is part of everyone’s existence. That speaks directly to me by bringing into focus that I must bring compassion and mercy to my interactions with all I come into contact with. That means especially my enemies and those who do me harm directly or indirectly via their thoughts, words and deeds. I must only speak when necessary and not casually but I must speak truthfully no matter what the outcome. In my walk here in the valley of tears I must understand that while I am in the world, I am not of the world. Therefore all that evolves around me I must deal with while maintaining my focus on the prize offered freely by our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now once understanding this it becomes easy to see the folly of the world. When we look at ourselves we understand that it is not hard to be seduced by carnal and other worldly desires. In fact, I understand more clearly then ever why Jesus says it is harder for a rich man to be a follower then a poor man. How does one give up all they have to share with their fellow man? Well, we must turn to the saints for the answer. We must look for the example in Mother Theresa and Saint Faustina who suffered greatly at the hands of man. It is truly a unique walk with God Himself. That is why the monk hermits of old sought out solitude away from worldly temptations and in doing so they found themselves closer to the Creator. Our walk can only be made by each individual person. Therefore, if we profess to believe we must accept Jesus telling us there is no worldly riches that could ever be of more value than the riches which God offers. The degree on the wall, the fancy car, the palatial homes, the toys and clothes and riches and yes the two P words Power and Pride which once we are consumed by them we crave more of. We become addicted by the masses who we expect to bow down and make way before us because of position, wealth and power. We set our Gods and our position as high as He that created us. Even with our own knowledge and understanding that what I am saying is correct, we won’t admit the uniqueness, complexity and vastness of creation and our own individual creation. That we are truly a one of a kind creation is not good enough for us. We strive to be at the very top of the hill and it matters not how we obtain that goal. Does that not speak more to the Devils desire as well?
Many have the audacity to call themselves Christians, professing Christianity and all while practicing the opposite. It is all right before us when we examine our hearts. However, it is easier to hide it and look to others for fault. I must confess that while I strive to reach that plateau God wants me to be at I fall miserably. I wallow in my own self pity and find it easier to blame others. I find it easy to cheat and yes lie, omit, or ignore then to accept the truth. In fact when faced with the truth I flee from it or I drive it away. This is the weakness of the flesh which we must strive to overcome.
We place a degree on the wall to tell all how intelligent we are. Yet, does this measure our intelligence accurately? We get paid better because of that degree and somehow we could care less about experience or achievement. We most certainly get rid of the whistle blower, the doer. The person who professes the truth, while accepting mediocrity, wallows in fear that they will be noticed or that they might possibly fail. We do all we can to hide the truth of our failure and reject facing it openly. In our pride we will punish those who fail. We will belittle and wail over their shortcomings while we ourselves point the finger somewhere else. We pride ourselves that we are the good guys and the others are bad, that we are the intelligent and we are correct. Yet, as mentioned, we go to church, praise God, are part of the hierarchy and we call ourselves followers of Christ. We sit where all will notice us and we always have something to keep us known or recognized! However, are we really the wolves in sheep’s clothing Jesus warns us about? We smile at our co workers while driving the blade to the hilt in talk, deeds and false gossip while we destroy them.
We make a mockery of being Born Again! Are we truly Born Again or is it just a catch phrase for an Alter Call? Were we "Born Again" by answering an alter call? Does it serve us just to show everyone who can see that we are Christians and good people to be around so we take the walk? We know we are saved by that alter call when we truly “accept’ Christ, but just what does accept mean? The fact we took a walk up the aisle or that we want to repent and change does not of itself make us "Born Again". Is there not punishment when we do not repent and change our ways? Is it just like those who advertise “Christian Business" and imply that somehow they are honest and therefore acceptable to deal with but take your eyes right out of your sockets? The real question is what we put into practice and how we demonstrate it. Yes, that means works! The things we do to demonstrate our belief as followers. So, when James states faith without works is dead, he is right on target! He did not say your works will get you to paradise, but he did say if you are what you say you are your works will shine like gold and will most likely meet the judgment test and make a true statement about who you are. That means being Born Again, has turned you from evil, you have become, via your efforts each day, Humble, Merciful and Compassionate. It shouts that you ARE A FOLLOWER and YOU PUT INTO PRACTICE EACH AND EVERY DAY YOUR BELIEF VIA YOUR ACTIONS AND WORKS! To others it can mean nothing else. Therefore they are convicted in your presence. You become a light and beacon in a dark world!
So, sadly, what does mankind do? We distort the simplicity of Gods Word and we divide ourselves over it. It just points out and confirms why man cannot ever bring peace to this world by their works alone. We do not institute Mercy, Compassion, Love, Forgiveness which are the foundation of Gods teachings, no matter what faith! No, we invoke our demands, we punish our enemies, we destroy and we impose, via our might in religion, politically, military, in business or economically. Also, we may have peace in the world but not the soul. Without internal peace we have no real peace. The soul will fight for true freedom and this will lead to further conflict until satisfied. However, if that peace is not just and equally distributed to all it is not peace. Therefore that is an absolute impossibility until Christ returns. Only the meek, humble and those who have mercy and compassion can accept this concept.
Yet, there is something we must do in these final days. Yes, the scripture is alive in every newscast each and every day. Oh sure those who do not believe and those who are a shell of a Christian will scoff at this, but do not kid yourself. Those who say they believe that the Bible is the Literal Word of God and ignore His very warning that only "The Meek Shall Inherit The Earth" are decieving themselves. What are the characteristics of the meek? Do they apply to you? If you read this and do not know then read it again. In my opinion we should ask this of ourselves every day. For those who know His coming is even at the door we need to get our act straight. Do not focus on this world and yourself. If you were to lose everything, but not your soul, you have succeeded beyond your wildest dreams. However, you must truly be “Born Again" in spirit and deed. Focus on Mercy, Love, Compassion and Forgiveness, obey God, repent and fall down and worship Him in a true spirit of Humbleness. Ask Him to save you and your household! Then He will be true to pass you by in the coming days of darkness as the angel of death did to the Israelites in Egypt.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright ©2006 Robert Melaccio
