Christianity Defined

“Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” [Matthew 25.41-46]

I am guessing - just guessing - that here in the some of the last recorded teachings of Jesus, the subject matter was of paramount importance. At this point in Jesus' life and ministry on earth, I am sure many of the little things didn't matter so much and now was the time to rehearse the big things - the things that made more difference than anything else - the things of greatest importance.

Sometimes I fear that our presentation of salvation in Christian circles is much less serious than Jesus made it. Believers have responsibilities! 

Jesus was quite clear about the responsibilities of His followers here in Matthew 25. To be clear, those responsibilities included: 1) feeding the hungry; 2) giving drink to the thirsty; 3) taking in strangers; 4) clothing the naked; and 5) visiting the sick and imprisoned.

Far too many Christians believe these tasks are 'below' them. And yet, Jesus made this list the litmus test to determine those who are His and those who are not.

Here is where all our doctrines and preoccupation with religion not only fail us, but send us to hell. All the pedigrees in the world will not substitute for obedience to the life and ministry Jesus defined for us to follow.

To say, "I am saved" and not do the things Jesus listed here is a farce.

Father, I don't want to live in a farce! Forgive me for living a religious life void of obedience to the things Jesus was very clear about being necessary.