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 To
many, the measure of acceptable religion is whether it satisfies
the individual. Few would likely admit it, but we see it in the
"church-shopper" whose search for a church is mostly
based on personal preferences. We see it in the advertisements
that encourage attendance at the "church of your
choice." We see it in those who discourage questions and
discussions about "their church" because, as they put
it, "I'm satisfied". I could see it in the lady who
once told me that she didn't want to discuss the Bible any
further because she had just joined the Catholic Church and had
never been happier.
Obviously,
multitudes are satisfied with the course they have
charted for themselves in religion, but more importantly, IS
GOD? Have men so forgotten the whole point and purpose of life,
not to mention religion? The wise man's conclusion was NOT,
"Fear God and serve Him as you please", but "Fear
God and keep His commandments" (Eccl. 12:13). To emphasize
obedience (doing as God pleases) is neither narrow minded
nor legalistic. In fact, it puts the emphasis exactly where God
put it! Salvation is promised to "all them that obey
Him" (Heb.
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5:9). Heaven awaits only those who do
the Father's will (Matt. 7:21). The apostles were told by Jesus
to teach men "to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you" (Matt. 28:20). The Bible clearly teaches
that men must do something to be saved. But more, that
"something" is not left to man's discretion; it must
be a doing of God's will as set forth in the N.T.
Saul
of 'Tarsus was apparently well pleased with his life as a
religious leader among the Jews — but God wasn't. In order to
please God, Paul had to make some drastic changes, which he did.
His life-ruling aim was to "be well-pleasing to Him"
(2 Cor. 5:9). As people-pleasing religion increases in
popularity, how great the need for men of like ambition today!
What Paul sought, he also taught. He reminds the Thessalonians
of his teaching concerning how they "ought to walk and to
please God" (1 Thss. 4:1). Perhaps men still need
reminding about how they ought to live and whom they ought to
please — and who will judge them. Dan S. Shipley
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