All Or Nothing

In this way, Jehu destroyed every trace of Baal worship from Israel. He did not, however, destroy the gold calves at Bethel and Dan, with which Jeroboam son of Nebat had caused Israel to sin. Nonetheless the LORD said to Jehu, “You have done well in following my instructions to destroy the family of Ahab. Therefore, your descendants will be kings of Israel down to the fourth generation.” But Jehu did not obey the Law of the LORD, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He refused to turn from the sins that Jeroboam had led Israel to commit. [2 Kings 10.28-31]

It's all or nothing with God.

You must not have any other god but me. [Exodus 20.3]

Should this not give us great concern when we say things like, "God heals, but he uses medicine," or "God provides, but everyone knows you have to hold down a job."

Now, I know there are many reasons to scold me for even bringing up this subject. In fact, there are scriptures that speak about using medicine and scriptures that highlight the necessity of working. I am not oblivious to these facts.

However, I am very concerned that our modern culture is so Godless that we have learned the right religious stuff to say (those who are churchgoers), but our lives look no different than those who do not go to church. In other words, God's people's proclamation that God is Healer and Provider really means nothing to Godless people because they enjoy the same medicine and money as everyone else. This should disturb God's people to their core. If God's people are indeed "sanctified" (or "set apart"), should they not actually look different than the world?

The indictment here upon the Church is enormous. Does not Exodus 20.3 quicken some sense of responsibility in us?

Be sure of this, when all is said and done, we know that ONLY faith pleases God (Hebrews 11.6). And, just because we call it faith to take medicine or call it faith to slave over a job does not mean we are doing either in faith! Again, there should be some differentiation between true believers and the world.

What should we do then?

I believe it will begin with repentance for not believing and end with truly believing (with works that validate it).

The stories of the kings of Israel and Judah serve to remind us that God wants pure faith from us. Anything that distracts us from that pure faith is an idol.

Father, forgive me for not believing effectively. The proof is in my life. Help me to believe!