What'll ya have?

We wish we had an omniscient, maybe even omnipotent umpire who would resolve everything so that everyone would just know the truth. (There’s God, of course, but whose opinion of God shall we take as authoritative?) –David Gushee


There are regular conversations (read: debates) among Christians about what marks a true disciple, and how one finds one’s way to heaven. There tend to be two camps: the “faithers” and the “worksers.”

The faith group believe the only way to heaven and eternal bliss is to correctly profess one’s faith in Jesus, repent of one’s sins—and you’re in! That’s it! For this group, faith and belief are focused on the next life; it’s all about being saved from eternal hellfire. What happens in this temporary life isn’t all that important. (I am being simplistic and a wee bit cynical here.)

The works group, on the other hand, believes Christians will be known by their love for one another, and that is what matters most. Knowing Jesus personally is less important than living a good life (whatever that is) and easing others’ pain.

The debate can rage loud, long—and ugly. But for what it’s worth, I believe they are both wrong. Or-- they’re both right.

I live in a world where very few things, if any, things are black/ white, either/ or. It’s just not that simple. I believe, if one professes to have faith in Jesus and desires to follow in the way of the Living Christ, then one’s life should look like his life. And—if you are living a Christ-like life, then it seems likely the love of Jesus is, indeed, in your heart.

See? You can have it both ways. . . .

Monday Jesus said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 16:6). What does this verse mean to you?

Tuesday But someone will say, “You have faith. I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do (James 2:18). What does this verse mean to you?

WednesdayThe one who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). What does this verse mean to you?

Thursday Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. . . . Who knows? He may turn and have pity and leave a blessing (Joel 2:13b-14). What does this verse mean to you?

Friday He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8)? What does this verse mean to you?

Saturday  For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14). What does this verse mean to you?

Sunday There is no fear in love. But perfect love casts out fear. . . . We love because God first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” yet hates his brother, he is a liar (1 John 4:18-19). What does this verse mean to you?


Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams. –Benjamin Carson

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