“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God” (Hebrews 11:5).
What do we expect from life now that we belong to God? Maybe the question really is, “What do I expect God to do for me?” We have all experienced the Lord’s dealings with us, the miracles, blessings, comfort and peace, but how do we handle suffering and pain?
The Christian life is not meant to be about us but about Christ and what He is doing in us. “For to me to live is Christ” (Philippians 1:21) … “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). We all want to be in control and often refuse to let God direct our lives, and in doing so we hinder our walk with Him.
“Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).
Do we agree with God in everything? There are those who disagree with God concerning creation, salvation and holiness. Unless we agree with Him we cannot walk with the Lord. Any deviation from the fundamental doctrines of faith, any compromise of God’s word, and any refusal to live separated lives indicates that there is no basis for fellowship with Him.
Israel neglected to follow God’s word and chose to sin against Him, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” (Amos 3:2). Only through repentance could they return to the blessed position they once enjoyed. If we do not separate ourselves from sin then we will find that it will separate us from God, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:2).
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
What is it we are hiding? Do we appear to be holy and righteous to others while concealing a secret sin that we are unwilling to lay down? God sees our hearts, and He knows all about the sin and the sham. He wants us to be people of integrity. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). How can we hope to please God if there is unconfessed sin in our lives? Not only church leaders, but all Christians, must be beyond reproach and “must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil” (1 Timothy 3:7). This is the good report of one who has true faith in God (Hebrews 11:2, 39).
Faith without integrity is hypocrisy. Is there anything in our lives that the world can point the finger at?
“The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity” (Malachi 2:6).
If we walk with God in true faith and holiness then we cannot fail to notice the desperate state of the lost. We will take delight in spreading the Good News to as many as possible. Those who walk with God turn others from sin. The Lord Jesus Christ said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:19-20). Maybe we are going but are not telling them the whole truth! Do we worry that we might get mocked if we speak about holiness and righteousness? How do we expect to shine in God’s presence if we do not proclaim the word of life? “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3).
Enoch’s faith pleased God. There is no substitute for personal faith. If we attempt to please God through good works, worship, study and prayer, we will fail. Religious people can do all these things without having a living relationship with God. Faith is what makes these things acceptable to God. Religious people know about Him, but do not really know God, and the proof of which is evident in their daily lives. We may point the finger and say that they do not walk with God, but what about ourselves? Do we faithfully walk with Him? How do we respond when difficulties arise?
God rewards those who walk with Him (Hebrews 11:6) and has prepared for them a place of eternal rest and peace. Those who walk with God in faith are destined for the same place Enoch was raptured to. The only time that we will find it hard to walk with God is when we refuse to submit our lives to Him and exalt Him above all else. True faith is walking with God.
When we walk with the Lord,
In the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds on our way!
When we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Page created 7 April