THE WILL TO LOVE - Vital Christianity

88Ralph Sockman, a preacher, noted the frequent use of the word “walk” in the NewTestament: “walk in the light,” “walk in love,” “walk in truth,” “walk in light,” “walk in thenewness of life.” He then pointed out that:“We must enter into truth feet first even more than head first.”When the religious leaders of Jesus’ day asked how they could know whether what Hewas teaching was from God, Jesus responded:“If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comesfrom God or whether I speak on my own” (Jn 7:17).Obedience, therefore, is an organ of spiritual knowledge. We cannot know God apartfrom obedience. That is the final test. Doing God’s will is the litmus test of whether we knowGod in a personal and intimate way. The reason Jesus said He never knew these religiousworkers was because they were caught up in their orthodoxy and religious works rather than inlove relationship with Jesus Christ which evidenced itself in loving obedience.The greatest insult to the Lord is a will that is not surrendered. Whatever else we may do,however great our offerings and sacrifices! No matter how impressive our works in His name--these will add up to zero apart from obedience that comes from a yielded heart. God’s willcannot be simply discussed, debated, admired, praised, it must be done. It must not be merelytheologically analyzed, congratulated for its ethical tones; it must be obeyed.On “that day”—the Day of Judgment—what will Jesus say to you? “Enter into Myeternal presence and blessing!” Or “I never knew you, away from Me, you evildoer!”? Jesus’answer depends upon your relationship to Him. Jesus’ answer depends on whether thatrelationship is formal or personal, distant or intimate. And the sincerity of that relationship willbe seen in whether our lives are lived in loving obedience to Him and His commands.May the inscription on an old slab in the cathedral of Lubeck, Germany, not apply to us:“Thus speaketh Christ our Lord to us:Ye call me Master, and obey Me not;Ye call Me Light, and see Me not;Ye call Me Way, and walk Me not;Ye call Me Life, and desire Me not;Ye call Me wise, and follow Me not;Ye call Me fair, and love Me not;Ye call Me rich, and ask Me not;Ye call Me Eternal, and seek Me not;Ye call Me Gracious, and trust Me not;Ye call Me Noble, and serve Me not;