Not everyone who says to Me: "Lord, Lord!"

It is important for God that we know Him by sincerely doing His will in obedience to His word.

“Not everyone who says to Me:“ Lord! Lord!”, Will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.”

We may think that we can only please God by what we say or do. However, we can say the “right” words and do the “right” deeds, but if our heart is occupied with how we look in front of other people or what benefit we can derive for ourselves in some earthly sphere, then this will not be pleasing to God.

… In this regard, Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount: ““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. Many will say to me on that day,‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Mt. 7: 21-23.

It is important for God that we know Him by doing His will in obedience to His Word.

When God commanded the prophet Samuel to choose David, the youngest son of Jesse, to be king of Israel instead of Saul, despite the fact that he had older brothers who were taller and stronger, He said: “ I do not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. ” 1 Samuel 16: 7.

Samuel told Saul that because of his disobedience, his kingdom would not stand and that “… the Lord will find Himself a man after His own heart …” 1 Samuel 13:14. David’s desire was to learn the Word of God and obey Him, we see this in his many psalms, in particular in Psalm 119. Thus, he became a man “after the heart of God.” We can also follow his example if we strive with all our hearts to know God and do His will!

One day Jesus watched as people put money into the treasury in the temple: “Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.… Calling His disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” ”(Mark 12: 41-44). The thoughts of this widow made her an example for all generations. Once again, we see that not only what we do or say is important, but also that we do it with an ardent desire to please the Lord.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” Qty. 3:23.

Doing the will of the Father

If you understand what is important to God, then all life’s tasks will be filled with meaning. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon gives example after example to illustrate the words with which he began the book: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” Eccl. 1: 2.

Nevertheless, at the end of the book he comes to a very encouraging conclusion: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.. ” Eccl. 12: 13-14.

Even while performing the most mundane duties in our lives, we can lay up eternal treasures for ourselves, doing everything we do as for the Lord.

Thus, we come to the knowledge of God, His mind and His will, and we learn how to be more and more like Him. Solomon also makes it very clear when the perfect time for this is: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come…” Eccl. 12: 1. Let us live to please God, whether we are young or old!

Isaiah describes the results of such a life: “Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived,no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”Isaiah 64: 4.

We will experience what Peter understood: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. ”2 Peter 1: 3-4.

We will get to know God more and more and gradually transform into His image! (2 Cor. 3:18.)

Then we will never hear these terrible words of Jesus: “I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of iniquity! “Instead, we can live with the hope that at the end of our lives we will hear:” Well done, good and faithful servant! … Enter into the joy of your master. ” Mt. 25:21.

Source: Steve Lenk/ Aktivnoe Hristianstvo