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No Neutrality In The Kingdom

No Neutrality In The Kingdom

January 29, 2023 by NCC-Admin-1 in

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he that does not gather with Me scatters abroad.” (Matthew 12:30 NKJV).

There are many who approach Jesus with a take it or leave it attitude. They may tolerate those who do follow Jesus but when it’s comes to them personally it does not really matter if they follow Him or not. They are basically indifferent to Jesus. They think that they can remain neutral when it comes to the person of Jesus. But the truth is that Jesus did not leave us with that option. Jesus made it abundantly clear. Either we are with Him or we are against Him! There is no middle ground! In other words, from God’s perspective, though one may not overtly or openly opposed to Jesus, to be indifferent to Him is the same as being opposed to Him. Neither one will embrace or promote Jesus. Therefore both are considered to be in direct opposition to Him!

Let that sink in for a moment. We are either with Him (following, serving and honoring Him with our lives) or we are against Him (opposing Him, rejecting Him or dishonoring Him with our lives). It literally means that we are either His servant or we are His enemy!  Most would not consider themselves to be the enemy of Christ. But in reality we are either “followers of Christ” or we are the “followers of the evil one.”  And our lives and our actions will clearly demonstrate who it is we are following!  (Matthew 7:17-18). 

Jesus did not leave room for neutrality where He was concerned.  He did not intend to.
He made that clear with His invitation to the very first disciples. His invitation was: “Follow me…”.(Matthew 4:19). That invitation still stands today!

James W. Black

What Is Our Motive?

What Is Our Motive?

January 22, 2023 by NCC-Admin-1 in

“Every way of man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord pondereth the hearts.”
(Proverbs 21:2 KJV).  

Have you ever heard someone say:  “The Lord knows my heart!” I have heard that statement numerous times over the years.  It  is usually made by those who seek to justify their non Christian actions or lifestyle in comparison to others.  But in reality that statement is true!  The Lord does know our hearts.   The Lord  knows not only our actions, but  He also knows our inward motivation.  He knows what our real intentions are.  He knows what really drives us in our actions and decisions.  

When the Holy One looks upon us, He knows every motive of our heart.  Although our outward actions may appear to be good, the Lord knows what is really motivating us.
(1 Samuel 16:7).    Are we seeking to promote ourselves?  Are we seeking to justify ourselves?  Are we seeking the praise and the approval of others?  Or are we seeking to genuinely honor and please the Lord?  The Lord knows the difference.

While all of us desire the  approval of others (spouse, co-workers, neighbors and friends) we must realize that there are times when, in spite of our best efforts we are misunderstood and our actions are mischaracterized.  We may experience rejection because of that.  That rejection can be devastating.  It can be difficult to bear.  

But if the motive of our heart is pure, if there was no selfish motive or ambition, then the Holy One will become our defender (Math. 18:6-7).  He will help us to overcome the feelings of rejection and move forward with peace and joy.  If our motive is not pure, then we are left to handle it on our own until we are ready to surrender all of it to the Lord and allow Him to cleanse us and renew  us by His Blood (1 John 1:9-10).  

Ultimately is is the Lord’s approval that we desire above all else.  If we have His approval, then we will not covet the approval of others,  We we will be free  to be our selves.   And that is a very liberating place to be!  

James W. Black