A rich young ruler called the Lord Jesus “Good Master”. He received in turn, a rather terse question-answer. The reply queries an understanding of the descript of good. The commendable young man despite his not insignificant struggles was still plagued by an inner sense of a lack. The Lord having looked and examined him, loved him; a tremendous testimony and compliment. He was certainly a virtuous example of man.
Oswald Chambers posited that “natural virtues are not a promise of what we are going to be, but a remnant of what we once were. No natural virtue can come anytime near the standard Jesus Christ demands”. Whether or not we agree with Chamber’s view, he does explain why the most virtuous of man can still never attain unto a right relationship with God. His reasoning also provides for existence of the many commendable virtuous personages who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Humankind are fully capable of showing virtue; some more than others. We are all capable of sympathy, loyalty, faithfulness, honesty, charity; the list is long. Ironically virtue can become a stumbling-block to meeting the claims of Jesus Christ; an out and out sinner does not dispute his falleness, contrary to a morally circumspect and upright virtuous benefactor.
And yet, we as Christians are held to a higher calling. Our calling is to be made to bear the image of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Reconsider the beatitudes, the call to love our enemies, the call to forgive, the call to servant hood, the call to friendship, let alone brotherhood. Our calling is not optional. “Except your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, you shall not …”
The Lord, as primogeniture, has called us and will lead many as sons unto the glory of the Father. Will we follow? Will we daily grow and validate what He has worked into us by the power of His Holy Spirit? Can it be, that His power is unable to wrought a good work in us? Are we, His disciples? “By this, shall all man know…”
God bless.
/ckh
Oswald Chambers posited that “natural virtues are not a promise of what we are going to be, but a remnant of what we once were. No natural virtue can come anytime near the standard Jesus Christ demands”. Whether or not we agree with Chamber’s view, he does explain why the most virtuous of man can still never attain unto a right relationship with God. His reasoning also provides for existence of the many commendable virtuous personages who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Humankind are fully capable of showing virtue; some more than others. We are all capable of sympathy, loyalty, faithfulness, honesty, charity; the list is long. Ironically virtue can become a stumbling-block to meeting the claims of Jesus Christ; an out and out sinner does not dispute his falleness, contrary to a morally circumspect and upright virtuous benefactor.
And yet, we as Christians are held to a higher calling. Our calling is to be made to bear the image of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Reconsider the beatitudes, the call to love our enemies, the call to forgive, the call to servant hood, the call to friendship, let alone brotherhood. Our calling is not optional. “Except your righteousness exceeds that of the Pharisees, you shall not …”
The Lord, as primogeniture, has called us and will lead many as sons unto the glory of the Father. Will we follow? Will we daily grow and validate what He has worked into us by the power of His Holy Spirit? Can it be, that His power is unable to wrought a good work in us? Are we, His disciples? “By this, shall all man know…”
God bless.
/ckh
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