YET TO BE DETERMINED

          All living beings have lives that are “yet to be determined”.  If our lives are deeply rooted in the life of Christ, then we have no-thing to fear as to the hereafter.  In fact, according to our Lord Jesus Christ, our existence will be eternal - - everlasting:  “everyone who lives and believes in Me shall never die” (Jn.11:25).  Yet our walk with the Lord is not a sprint, but rather a marathon, which requires constant perseverance and endurance.  How heartbreaking to witness many who begin well only to falter as the days go by.

          Paul admonished those in the province of Galatia:  you were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? (Gal.5:7).  Many first-century disciples started aright in following after Jesus, they tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come (Heb.6:5), only to fall away as time wore on.  In returning to the old covenant of sin & death, their actions made it impossible to renew them again to repentance (Heb.6:6a).  According to Paul this was the equivalent of crucifying afresh the Son of God and putting Him to open shame (Heb.6:6b).  To profess Christ and then recant is a serious offense with very dire consequences.

          One thing that will help us greatly in keeping our focus on things eternal is to attach ourselves firmly to the Body of Christ (the church of the living God / Col.1:18).  In the Body, it is not just “me” struggling to remain loyal to Christ - - it is “us”.  Our faith walk was never meant to be lived out in solitude.  “Let us draw near with a sincere heart” (Heb.10:22);  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering” (Heb.10:23);  and “Let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds…encouraging one another” (Heb.10:24-25).  Are you with US?  

                                                                                                                        Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ