Luke 11:23 He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.
I think the world would put people into three basic categories:
1. The really Evil people in the world. This would be a really, really small group but would contain the Charles Manson's and Adolf Hitlers of the world. I think a number of people would not even include common criminals in this group because of extenuating circumstances. Only those who’s acts were premeditated and truly heinous.
2. The hyper-religious people. These are the people that attend worship services on a regular basis, read their Bibles habitually and pray systematically. For this thought process, these are only the real zealots. In the minds of the mainstream these are the fanatical extremists. From the way that the mainstream media reacts regarding this group, many seem to indicate that this group is almost as repulsive as the first
3. All of the normal people in between. It is my experience that most people see themselves in this group. Because they find the hyper-religious folks as off-putting as the evils, they shy for the middle of the pack.
Don’t get me wrong. Many people in this third group would consider themselves religious. They would typically believe in God. They would attend a service from time to time. They pray when they need something from God. They try their best to be good people. They perform acts of kindness towards others when it is convenient. etc. On the other hand though they will balance their belief and service to God with a healthy dose of “normal” living. They do what they want as long as they don’t hurt anybody else. Their motto: Everything in moderation. Nothing is really wrong in and of itself. Just use moderation.
I have talked to countless people that shared this general concept with me. However, if they truly see life in this way, they see them entirely differently than Jesus does. Jesus sees only two groups....ONLY TWO! Those that are with God and those that are against him. The problem comes down to definitions. What does it mean to be with God or against God?
I think most people would keep the “Really Evil” people in a group to themselves and declare them as being “those against God”. Everyone else would be in the group that are “for God” by default.
I think the Bible implies a “default group” but it is just the opposite as most might think.
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Jesus says that only those that are going to Heaven are those that are on the straight and narrow path. That is not the default path. The default path is the one that is broad and easy and is the one that “everyone else is doing it”. To be on the path that leads to eternal life requires a conscious decision and a lifestyle of sacrifice of self so that we might live the life that God requires of us.
Are you with God or Against him?
Reflecting His SON,
Dennis Hogan
Minister, North Hardin Church of Christ
North Hardin Church of Christ
1804 Sam Stewart Dr.
Radcliff, KY 40160
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