A week ago, I was standing at a podium, preaching the message God had placed on my heart for a local congregation. For one of the first times in a year, I was exactly where God wanted me to be. However, after the accolades, encouraging words and thanks faded, the Holy Spirit put a new thought on my mind. Christianity is not about one experience; its about the journey which leads you to heaven. Therefore, don’t think you have arrived! Rather, ask yourself, what how you done for God lately?
Beginning in Matthew 24, Matthew devotes 2 chapters to Jesus’ teaching on End Times Theology. Jesus concludes his lesson with a series of parables, stories that illustrate a biblical truth. The final one is entitled, The Sheep and the Goats, based upon the Old Testament principle of clean and unclean animals, Matthew 25:31-46. As I reflect upon the words of verses 41-43, I am guilty as charged. I pass by homeless people weekly, turning my head, ashamed that I don’t have any spare money to give. Meanwhile, I am surrounded by sick people in my neighborhood, yet the busyness of life has prevented me from fulfilling this passage. Jesus’ words pierce my heart, haunting me by my lack of action to the least of these.
Instead of following the Acts 2:42-47 and Acts 4:32-36 blueprint, many churches have deviated from this model. While the elderly, ex-cons, homeless and ill have been pushed aside, many churches are pouring their money into extravagant facilities. This latest version of Christianity is cleaner, leaner and in some cases, meaner, failing to provide for the needy. Although the easy answer is to automatically believe you are a sheep, watch out that pride doesn’t leave you like a goat, on the outside looking in. As judgment day approaches, Matthew 10:32-42, prepare yourself for life’s final exam now. With just one question to study for, Jesus’ words will echo throughout this room, “What have you done for Me lately?”
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 