CONFESSION IS NOT THE END OF THE ROAD

Over the years, we have, as Christians, acquired some unwanted, understanding about who a Christian is, and how does he become one. We have arrived at the conclusion that, if we confess certain doctrinal statements, then follow it up with certain pre-determined actions like, attending Church services, reading one’s Bible, praying privately and publicly, and few other such things, one would be considered a good Christian. Sadly, this is far from truth, even though, all what are listed above, are good in themselves, and we must follow them.
– “To have Faith in Christ means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him…” – C. S. Lewis

Confessing Christ as our Saviour, is not the end of the road for a Christian. It just begins there. Whether we are truly a Christian or not, is seen in the kind of fruit we bear. When we were living in darkness, we were bearing fruit of the flesh and world, which were, the fruit of the darkness. When we claim to be in the light, then, the fruit of the light ought to be seen, in our thoughts, words and deeds. A mere confession, and coming to the Church regularly, doesn’t make one a Christian. It cannot be so.
– “21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him.” – John 14:21
– “3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” – 1 John 2:3-6

The same is echoed by true disciples of Christ Jesus, our LORD and our Master, over the years. Here are a few for our benefit and our blessing.
– “We become Christians only when we follow Christ in our thoughts words and deeds.” – C. S. Lewis
– “Jesus’ mission is not to make converts, and it never has been. His mission is to make disciples.” – Jim Putnam
– “It is the duty of every Christian to be Christ to his neighbor.” – Martin Luther

How are we faring? Let us evaluate ourselves this morning where we stand in our walk with our LORD. Are we mere followers of a Messiah? Or, are we the disciples of the LORD Jesus Christ of Nazareth? Someone is called a disciple, only if they are walking in obedience to the Saviour.  

May we be found to be disciples of Christ Jesus, and not merely His followers. For many follow the LORD Jesus, for their own selfish reasons. It is only the disciple, who follows his LORD, honestly and sincerely – which would be visible to all, in and through their thoughts, words and deeds. What about us? May the LORD help us to be his true disciples. Even so, the LORD help us.