Don’t Miss The Boat

It is much easier to fit in with the world around us than it is to stand out and live differently as Jesus called us to do.  But as true disciples of Christ we know that our lives will be more blessed when we follow His instructions. The lifestyle that Jesus described in the Sermon on the Mount is the complete opposite of what is accepted and expected in the world we live in.

Jesus began His message by saying, “You have heard it said”….. and then added, “But I say.”  He made it very clear that His ways are not the world’s ways and His instructions for His followers will be radically different from world views, which will make us stand out as beacons of hope and light to others.

Knowing the correct password—saying ‘Master, Master,’ for instance—isn’t going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, ‘Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our super-spiritual projects had everyone talking.’ And do you know what I am going to say? ‘You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don’t impress me one bit. You’re out of here’. Matthew 7:21-23

Working in the travel industry I am well aware of the many troubles that arise when a passenger misses the boat. They have great anticipation and expectations of their destination that can only be described as paradise. They’ve spend months preparing and planning while sharing the excitement with anyone who will listen. Plans have been made and reconfirmed. Luggage packed and every detail checked off on their to-do list prior to departure. Then they miss the boat. All their expectations and preparation are down the drain and they are left without ever reaching the paradise they have been dreaming of for so long. Vacations can happen often or maybe just once in a lifetime, but eternity is a forever.

Today’s passage is a warning to us from Jesus, about doing things here on earth only to be seen by men and about recognizing that whatever we do, it’s as if we are doing it to God. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven.” What a terrible thing it would be to hear, “You missed the boat. You never knew Me.”

Jesus exposed people who sounded religious but had no personal relationship with Him. On “that day” (the Day of Judgement) only our relationship with Jesus – our acceptance of Him as Lord and Savior and our obedience to Him – will matter.

Don’t miss the boat! Make that decision to follow Him now and live this life in a right relationship with Him. If you haven’t made that decision for Christ, I encourage you to pray the prayer below and begin today. Eternity in paradise awaits.

Dear Lord Jesus:

I know that I am a sinner and I believe that you died to pay the penalty for my sins. Thank you for taking my punishment. Please come into my heart and help me to live for you. Amen