Recently a Facebook post got me “a thinkin” about things. It
was about Matthew 7:22 – 23 which draws attention to false belief:
22 Many will
say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in
thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?23 And then
will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work
iniquity.
This passage has always got my attention because I question
my belief from time to time. Now let me clarify, not my faith in God but rather
am I doing it right? Will I cry “Lord, Lord!” only to hear “I never knew you”?
It kind of freaks one out when you read this passage and really dwell one it.
Believe me more than once my faith has been questioned. I
actually have had a crowd of friends trying to help and said this to me because
I was rejecting their help. Ironically the same person who they were trying to
help has said the same thing to me. Both thought I was too analytical and did
not really believe. So I have man telling me I am all mixed up.
I like the puzzles in the Bible. I love finding God in
everyday life. I love the hunt and the way we miss God so often. I often am “cold”
and detached in my interpersonal relationships. I have been accused of being
too into the study without actually applying what I have learned.
So with many close friends saying this too me, you can
understand why I have a fear I will hear these words from Jesus!
Back to the FB post, since that brought a different light to
this passage. Notice how the wording is we, bringing attention to the people
doing the acts and not God himself. The point is the people are diverting glory
from God to themselves. This becomes a heart thing which mankind cannot tell.
On the surface we do things FOR God, but are we doing them
to glorify God or ourselves? Are we doing it to expand the kingdom or just feel
good about helping others? Are we “blogging” about God and not living God? In
the end we are the only ones who know, other than God.
I think the key is love God and not self. If you heal
someone, know it’s not you but rather God.