Today’s Scripture: Matthew 7:21, NIV- “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Earlier in Matthew 7:7-8 we are promised “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (NIV)
If you knew this was your last day on earth, what would you ask God for? A couple of recent deaths here in America have revealed the hearts and fears of humanity. A young lady was stabbed for no reason on a train in North Carolina. A few days later Charlie Kirk was assassinated.
My first thoughts when I saw the news of Charlie’s death was to be determined not to be like the other passengers on that train who did nothing to help the girl next to them bleeding to death. I do not want to be the passenger on the train of life that just looks the other way and fails to come to the aid of my neighbor. I felt compelled to be more of a doer of God’s will to continue Charlie’s good works.
In my bible studies in the aftermaths of these tragedies I have found scriptures that help me process. I have also found that social media is not the place to find healing.
These recent events prove Proverbs 13:2 where we are told that the faithless have an appetite for violence. We are witnessing in real time Proverbs 14:9 of how fools make a mockery of sin. We also see on social media the truth of Proverbs 15:14 where we are told the mouths of fools gush out foolishness.
I am praying that before I respond to any more foolishness, I remember Matthew 7:5 which states “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Charlie was killed for pointing others to God’s commands. Like Jesus, the world hated him. As I read Matthew 7:1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” I realize I must leave it to God to judge others.
My judgy comments are not needed on social media nor in my heart. I am convicted that getting down in the mud with people I do not even know is not good for my soul. Matthew 7:6 has been timely, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (NKJV)
Matthew 7:12 simplifies life for us, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (NIV) Like Charlie we can speak face to face with those God places in our paths and share calmly, respectfully, and Godly.
As Matthew 7:15 warns us we must “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” (NKJV) As we listen to ministers, politicians, and online voices let us do as Matthew 7:16-20 teaches us and recognize people by their fruits.
What fruits do we want to produce? Rooted in the Word of God and not in the words of social media we will produce God’s will and fruit.
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am asking, seeking, and knocking to do Your will. Thank You LORD for promising that everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Forgive me, LORD, when I fall prey to my flesh and the ways of this world. Help me LORD to love my neighbor and to share Your love and wisdom with others. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
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