Matthew chapter 7: verses 21-23 (NIV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and, in your name, perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
This passage pulled me up short today because of something that I don’t think I have previously properly considered, the people Jesus speaks of here were doing things for God that most of us would be happy to be used by God for – prophesy, casting out of demons and performing miracles, surely something that would bring glory to God? These were not people who were not interested in the things of God.
So what did they do wrong? The answer is given in the first sentence – those who enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do the will of God. He wants followers who are obedient to Him, and that doesn’t necessarily mean running around and doing things for Him. He doesn’t need that. He wants a willing heart and total obedience. He only wants us to do the things He asks us to, nothing more.
This passage is a reminder to me not to get too caught up in doing things which on the face of it are good and right but are not what God wants me to do.
Dear Lord,Let this passage remind me that the most important thing for me to do is be obedient to You, not try to anticipate what You want. Your plans after all are better than mine. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.