Did you know that in one place found in the gospels, Jesus actually commended, or at least acknowledged that the ‘children of this world’ (not His children) seemed to be wiser and more astute than ‘children of the light’. (Luke 16:8). There are probably a few directions you could go with that one, but I only cite it to suggest there is a good reason why so many ‘lost folks’ scoff at most of what we call ‘church’ today. They see right through it, or should I say ‘us’. 

 Many ‘profess’ to know Christ, but by their actions and/or lifestyles, they deny Him. (Titus 1:16) 

 The fruit is the give-away. Jesus taught us that. (Matt. 7:16-20) 

 Just because you call a lemon tree and apple tree, does not make it so. 

 And just because a man calls himself a woman, neither does that make it so. 

 (Bet that one resonated with a few of us ;-) lol). 

 And for the record, yes, I agree that so much of what we are witnessing today borders on insanity regarding the gender confusion in our culture. But let me drop this one thought in your cup of tea to brew on… So many people who are pointing out this one example of insanity ( I would call it – deception) that we see running amuck today (gender confusion), are the same people who are calling themselves “Christians”…and that one really has God scratching His head. (i.e. - we tell the world we are 'like Christ', yet  continue to sin)

 I only need point you to the fruit test. By their fruit, you will know them. 

 Funny thing is…God doesn’t seem too worried about a lot of this confusion. He will, at some point, ‘sort it all out’. In the meantime, He wants those whom He has ‘called out’ (yesterday’s post) to ‘set their minds on things above and not on the earth’. (Col. 3:1-2) So much of what we see and hear about are nothing but ‘distractions’, and I will just leave it at that for now. 

 I just want to add this one morsel of an opinion for consideration. We can get all undone by all the ‘deceptive darkness’ that so many people find themselves struggling with today in the world. That should not be a shock or surprise to any of us who claim to be ‘in the light’. My goodness, that is why even as Jesus was being nailed to a cross, He was not rebuking his tormentors…He was praying for them…”Father, forgive them, they know not what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). I would make the case there is more than enough darkness and deception in the ‘church’ today that we better be more preoccupied with in getting resolved. (Where will judgement begin first? - 1 Pet. 4:17) 

 Peter addressed those who were ‘called out of darkness into His marvelous light”, (1 Pet. 2:9). admonishing them saying “I beg you as travelers and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles (unbelievers) (11-12). Why, just turn back to the first chapter there and underline where he wrote “but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1:14-15) 

 People who are truly walking in the light, bear the fruit of ‘holiness’; something that if absent, will disqualify many from ‘seeing the Lord’. (Heb. 12:14) That might be why Paul wrote: “Having these promises , beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Cor. 7:1) And what was the church at Sardis taken to task for and warned about? (Rev. 3:1-3) 

 You know, this idea of being ‘called out’ is an interesting study for sure. And while I probably need more understanding in the full context of what this particular passage means or suggest, I still want to put it out there where Jesus taught on more than one occasion: “Many are called…but few are chosen.” (Matt. 22:14) (the first 13 verses there are worth your time reading as well) 

 But picking up where I left off yesterday, He does indeed, call us out of where He found us- which was in darkness.(Acts 26:18) Darkness is a place we are all familiar with, too familiar, sadly enough. (Who knows the first line to that song ‘Sound of Silence’?) 

 So when He calls, if/when we respond with true, godly repentance, there is this unquestionable requirement that we be willing to ‘forsake all’. (Luke 14:25-33). Do not let anyone deceive you with empty words that would suggest otherwise. (Matt. 7:21) Jesus even makes it a point that we cannot love flesh and blood family more than Him. I mean, even Abraham was tested in this area with his only son, Isaac.(Gen. 22). And God never asks of us to do anything He would not do first. (Rom. 5:8; 1 Pet. 4:1-2) 

 It is one thing to say…’we love God’. It’s another thing to ‘love God with ALL our heart’. Many honor Him with their words that come off their lips but their hearts are far from Him. Jesus pointed that out in Matt. 15:8-9. 

 So when He calls…and we respond…you best be prepared to have your heart tested. Or, to borrow an expression a poker player will be familiar with…God will call your hand. He will, test our hearts. (Deut. 8:2; 1 Thess. 2:4; James 1:3) 

 He tested the heart of a young rich ruler who came ‘seeking eternal life’ in Matt. 19. And we need to revisit this story as well because we need to talk about ‘idols’ and just what make an idol so influential in our lives. You should be familiar with that story by now. It has been one to make a significant impact on me and provides much insight as to what the true call to repentance and eternal life is all about…a coming to Jesus with your whole heart. 

 When this young man who obviously had a good upbringing, knew how to show respect (Mark 10:17), and also had been given influence, power, and wealth, came seeking eternal life that he had heard Jesus preaching on…he wanted to know more. And more, he was given in the presentation of truth. He was actually told that he only ‘lacked one thing from being perfect’. 

 And it was that ‘one thing’ he was not willing to lay down and surrender. He turned and walked away and declined the invite or the ‘calling out’ because…he had great wealth. We are told he walked away in sorrow. (Matt. 19:22). Have you ever stopped to ask what it was that made him sorrowful? Was it possibly the idea that he could not ‘have both’ or ‘have it all’? As in, he had to make a decision? 

 When we discuss this idea of forsaking all or giving up everything to follow Jesus…it’s not hard for our imaginations to run wild and get away from us. Crazy thing is, we tend to start wanting to look at all these external things we might be asked to ‘give up’…like our giant, flat-screen TV’s, or our Harley motorcycle or jewelry or fancy cars or expensive homes, etc. Can I just tell you now…that the things that the Holy Spirit is going to target first and foremost is all those things that truly defile our hearts. You can read what Jesus had to say about those in Mark 7:18-23. That ‘old sinful nature’ and all associated with it is what needs to go. You can read a more exhaustive list there in Galatians 5:19-21 where Paul ‘dots the I’s and crosses the ‘T’s” by saying…those who continue to live or practice these things have no inheritance in the kingdom of heaven. 

 Now that is not to say that as we learn to listen, follow, and obey Him, that there might be other external things that we may be asked to lay down. But honestly…if we truly love Him…doing what He ask of us is not burdensome. (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). 

 What we really need to pause for and press in to explore…is why…do we find it so hard to let go of things and give them up? Remember: Anything we hold on to and allow to remain in our hearts when God asks us to repent or give up, quickly becomes an idol. An idol can be anything that we allow to take the place of God or we put before Him. Your own children can become an idol. (or grandchildren, in which I often remind myself). 

 So that rich young ruler…what was that power and wealth providing for him that he was reluctant and then unwilling to surrender? 

 We will look at this tomorrow…and the answer might surprise you. Hope you come back for more. :- )