The Right Track

Even if you ‘re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.                                                                            Will Rogers

I heard this quoted last Sunday as a part of the message a visiting Pastor gave to our church. I don’t exactly remember what point he was making with it but I thought about how true that is in Christianity.

The right road of Christianity for some people is the road of salvation. As a matter of fact, for some it’s the only road. They make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior and they think, “okay, I’m in. I’ll go to heaven so I don’t need to do another thing.” How sad for them.

Now, just for the record I believe that’s the right road. We need to “confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead so we can be saved” (Romans 10:9). It’s just sitting there that’s the problem.

Salvation is only the first step. Our God makes it clear in His Word that we are to love one another, He tells us that at least sixteen times in the New Testament. We demonstrate our love for God by loving His people. We think of love as an emotion but love is action. It can only be seen or understood by the acts we do to show that love.

But, that’s not all. James says that we are not merely to read God’s Word but we are to do what it says (James 1:22). In that particular chapter we’re told “to be quick to hear and slow to speak and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God requires.” We’re also told to “bridle the tongue,” and “visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” There are many things that Jesus commands of those who claim to belong to Him.

In the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 He teaches that it is the one who takes what He gives them and uses it to further the Kingdom of God that receives the blessings in this life. We cannot truly love the Lord and just sit there. We may not literally get run over but neither will we experience the life of abundant blessing that is promised to the child of God that serves HIM wholeheartedly. Matthew 7:11 says, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

Are you His child? Are you and I on the right track? Are we just sitting there? Does it concern you that we might get hit if we don’t start moving? What sins do you and I have that need to be confessed?

What work does God have for you to do that will put you on the receiving end of His grace and mercy? Who do you and I need to show God’s love to? Do you need to deal with some anger? How about serving some orphans or widows? Are you and I willing to die to our own desires and put others first? If you will, the right track will become the safest place you and I can be because there is no place safer than the will of God.

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8