Articles
Have To or Want To Conviction
“Have To” or “Want To” Conviction
Read the story of the rich young ruler who runs to Jesus with a question: “What shall I do that I may have inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17-22)…
The ruler lacked one thing. It was a sacrifice he was not willing to make. He did not “want to” because he went away sorrowful. This man illustrates well what the Lord expects of us is not for His good but for our good. It is for our ultimate good that we accomplish it. If you do not want to do it, you lose God and your soul…
Jesus spoke about teaching the lost with rebuke, confessing wrong, and forgiveness (Luke 17:7-10). This is not something people enjoy. It is an appeal - our duty to do. It is not done to receive thanks or build our self-esteem. The following illustration in the text clarifies the matter…
The servant who labored all day caring for sheep, plowing, etc. comes in and begins to serve the master. The master has done very little all day but to tell people what to do. The servant prepares a meal and waits upon his master. The master may never thank him for serving, but he does what is his duty to do. How much more ready and eager should we be to serve our God, because it is our duty to do. Doing our duty without enjoying it, without complaining, or receiving thanks…
Did Jesus enjoy dying for the sins of the world? The joy was not in the death, but it was “set before him” (Hebrew 12:2). He did what was His duty to do (John 4:34; 6:38)…
We have grown so accustomed to being convenient and comfortable with the greatest promotion to “feel good about yourself”, we lose the need for doing things that really need our attention. We need to be so ready to serve God, do all we can, and when we do be ready to say, “it is nothing of all that we should do and would do for Him” for the kingdom is within you (Luke 17:21)…
Christianity is totally voluntary. It has no financial guarantees, promise of popularity, or assurance of friends. This may be why so few “want” what Christianity “has” to give. Too many people tie their efforts in life to money, friendship, and status, which explains why some who become Christians easily pass out…
If you read about the coming judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; Romans 2:8), there is an element of necessity in religion. If we are looking for a life with peace, hope, and joy, should we not “want to” do what God asks without question, excuse, or conditions? How about it? Let’s do better. Want to do it…
