What Is Your Opinion?

        Two friends were having an argument in a café shop one day about the best way to serve God in our present world. Since the café was small, my table was close to theirs and their voices loud, other customers and I could not help but overhear their arguments. One argued that the way Christianity is right now is the best way to serve God. He argued that one does not need to follow completely some old dusty rules that were written over 2000years ago that bear little relevance today but to do what is right in one’s conscience so as to live good lives and at the same time not to upset the myriad of ‘faiths’ that have risen. This according to him will afford the Christian to serve God peacefully without persecutions. That to him is true worship! The other friend, on the other hand insists that those ‘old dusty rules’ are now written on the tablets of our hearts by the Holy Spirit to live lives that honor God and not to maintain some ‘balance’ between faiths. In other words, it is not about our conscience but about God and His right way of doing things. These arguments, as simplistic as they may sound are the foundations of the faith of so many. Let’s consider the first argument for a moment. 

       The Bible tells us that, “Many will follow their unrestrained ways, and because of them the way of the truth will be blasphemed” (2Peter 2:2). The proponents of this erroneous argument believe they can serve God and still continue in their old habits as long as they are in the Church, pay their tithes, speak in tongues and some other parameters they have drawn for themselves. Like Esau, they are more concerned about gratifying their immediate hunger and thirst without much recourse to the repercussions of their actions. This terrible belief is encouraged by their pastors and leaders. The Bible clearly warns us of such leaders; such are only interested in the number of their following and the many rewards they will gain from them. These people are not strangers to the truth of God’s word but are described thus: “And men from among yourselves will rise up with deviant doctrines to lure the disciples into following them” (Acts 20:30). 

        Friend, like Rebecca, indeed you desire to serve the Lord; for this reason, you have the gift of the Holy Spirit; friend, it’s still not enough! There’s a renouncing and a following you must do or you will not be immune to the imposters in our midst who are hell bent on drawing the disciples after them. God is not going to force Himself on you, rather you must choose to follow Him! The old habits, associations, attitudes will not equally want to let you go: “Let the girl stay with us for about 10days. Then she can go” (Genesis 24:55b). So many fell for this trickery and are living with terrible habits, attitudes and associations yet they are betrothed to Jesus Christ! God will not stand for any of this. That’s why He told us clearly: “…If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up His cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Thus, Rebecca (like us) was called forward to make a choice: “So they said, ‘Let’s call the girl and ask her opinion” (Genesis 24:57). Praise God, she said, ‘I will go’. She left everything behind and followed the servant. Friend, enough of clinging to worthless old habits, attitudes and associations that are hell bent in keeping us in the mold of the old man. Like Rebecca, God is asking you: ‘What is your opinion, will you stay or will you Go with Me?’ If your decision is to go with Him, you must: “…take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves” (Matthew 11:29). Then continue in what you have learned of Him so as not to be tricked out, and the Lord will settle and establish you in Him in Jesus Christ name. God bless you.