THERE ARE NO MAGIC WORDS
-- God is not like some mythical genie.
Magic words, incantations and wonder-working potions come immediately to mind when we think of medieval sorcery and witchcraft. In Christianity, though, there are no magic words.
I am reminded of the fable of Ali Baba and the 40 thieves. To open the treasure-laden cave in the mountain, all you had to do was say the may the magic words, "Open Sesame!" Whether you were good or bad didn't matter. Only knowing the the magic words would allow you to enter.
God is not like some mythical genie. He has not given us a set of spiritual-sounding words that magically solve all problems and give us all benefits.
God has given us far more than words to say. He has given us a new way of life.
Jesus and the apostles taught a message of life changing faith. In Matthew 7:21 Christ points out that more is involved than words: "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven" (New International Version).
God loves us now, the way we are, but that doesn't mean he wants us to always stay the way we are. God's grace--his incredible love and forgiveness and help--isn't permission to freely do our own thing. Instead it should powerfully drive us to turn our whole lives over to God. We cannot be willing to accept his love without giving love in return. We cannot take what God has given us and carry on without a deep sense of appreciation. It must be more than just a momentary emotion.
God's love, by its very nature, demands love in return. His gift to us is extremely precious. It would be a most ungrateful act just to accept it and then simply set in on the shelf to use at our own convenience. God's love is a "pearl of great price" (Matthew 13:46), not some kind of insurance policy to pull out at the resurrection.
True followers of Jesus Christ must never forget the incredible magnitude of God's grace. With God's help, they will be active Christians, moved by God' love to forsake their previous, self-centered ways and ideas, and to follow Christ with mind and heart.
Theirs is not a once-a-week religion. Theirs is an undivided commitment to a new way of life firmly rooted in love. This way is completely opposite the naturally selfish thoughts and ways of mankind apart from God.
They are devoted to serving their fellowman in love. They are concerned about the results of their actions. They care about how they affect other people.
They are dependable. They are trustworthy. They are honest. And they have bold hope and confidence in the face of trial, disaster or persecution.
There are no magic words in Christianity. But God's way of life brings real joy and assurance. These come from understanding God's magnificent mercy and love, and from truly surrendering to and obeying God's perfect will.
source: Youth 91
By Joseph W. Tkach
3:05 PM
-- seintefien@yahoo.com
