12 Inches Away
As I was reading Mark 12 this morning, I was arrested by this statement: “Realizing how much the man understood, Jesus said to him, ‘You are not far from the Kingdom of God.’” Not far from the Kingdom of God? The man complimented Jesus on his knowledge and understanding of the greatest commandments. The man knew that there was one God. He knew how important it was to love God with all his heart, understanding (mind) and strength, and to love his neighbor as himself. He knew that following these two commandments was more important than offering burnt offerings and sacrifices required by the law. The man gave Jesus a good answer.
Why then did Jesus give this man a “You are not far from the Kingdom of God” status? I believe Jesus gave him this status because the man understood the right theology, but he had not committed his heart to the right theology he knew. He knew and said all the right words, but he had not fully committed to living the right life. He was a good “talker” of the word who had not yet become a good “doer” of the word. He had embraced the right teaching in his head (I believe knowledge of God and his word is extremely important), but it had not trickled down to his heart and life. The difference was 12 inches away (from his head to his heart). He knew and said he was supposed to do – love God with all his heart, mind and strength, and love his neighbor as himself, but he had not actually committed his life to doing what he was supposed to do.
Is this me? Have I made the great divide even wider (saying the right words, but living the wrong lives) with an incongruous life? Do I just spit good game at God, but have not brought my life into conformity with who he is and what he expects of me? Have I understood much and practiced little? Am I just a “good talker?” Am I guilty of complimenting Jesus for the good that he does, but will not submit my life to him for the God that he is? Do I just love God in theory and on paper or do I really love him with all that I am? Do I see the evidence of my love for God in my deep love for all people?
Lord, help me to close the great divide – saying the right words, but living the wrong life – with a life that is consistent with your character and your values.
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Tags: Discipleship
May 10th, 2010 at 1:56 pm
This was great. We need to be a glory to God every day. Ask God what he wants us to do for Him each day and "he will direct thy path". Then, will we find real meaning for our lives and to His glory. When you have love for people, the Jesus kind of love, it is very fulfilling.
May 11th, 2010 at 8:13 am
Very well said. I know many Christians probably go back and forth on this one. I know I do at times. The important thing is when we find ourselves here we rely on God’s grace and restorative power. In instances like this we should re-commit our lives and focus and ask for God’s direction and vision to be awakened or restored in our lives. That’s what I love about Him, even when we are not all we should be or experience falls or setbacks as long as we come to Him and ask forgiveness, repent and begin to walk the walk, he is faithful and just to forgive us and set us back on the path. How could you not want to serve God when He is that good! Again, great thought provoking blog. Your writings make me look inward so that I int urn will continue to look upward.
May 18th, 2010 at 1:56 am
This is sooo true… I Think it is important that we all check our selves and be sure to give God the same commitment that we pray for in our earthly relationships… love it