In the Christian’s walk of faith sometimes realities are encountered that, on the surface, seem to be contradictory. The Apostle Paul says, “We are His workmanship”. Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments”. What then is the effective reality that brings the Christian to faithfulness? Is it God working in me, or is it me, choosing to follow Jesus?

We recognize that Jesus’ words and Paul’s statement are both true. Both truths need to be acknowledged, lest we fall into the proverbial ditch. On one side of the road is the ditch of self-righteousness—the belief that we can please God if we would only try hard enough. On the other side of the road is the ditch of obedience neglected. Why should I give much thought to how I walk if God is going to work out His sanctification in me when and how He chooses? My only duty is to enjoy Him as I walk by faith.

Jesus helps us understand this tension by using the analogy of the shepherd and the sheep. Jesus, speaking as the shepherd says, “I know them” and of the sheep He says, “They follow me”.

Two truths stand out here.  “I know them” speaks of relationship.  “They follow me” speaks of the obedience which flows from the heart filled with trust, love and devotion. It is this intimate relationship that moves faith forward into practical living.

Relationship with God is not established by doing. Man’s attempts to please God outside of Christ are doomed. This is the fatal flaw of every religion outside of Christianity. Our relationship with God is established by faith. Relationship with God is established when one comes to grips with the hopelessness of his own sinful condition and rests solely in the remedy of God. That remedy is God’s Son who died, shed His blood and rose from the grave that we might have a new life and a new hope. We enter into this blessed relationship of being the sons of God by faith alone.

A loving relationship causes things to happen in the heart of the new believer. His new desire is to please Him who has so graciously accepted him.  But, like all relationships, there will be a growing process. Man does not enter into relationship with God as a fully mature individual. There is no lack of knowledge or maturity on God’s part, but man enters the relationship as a child, feeding on the milk of the Word. This has a practical reality. We cannot expect every new Christian to respond equally well to the challenges and tests of life. The “old life” must be unlearned and replaced by new truth.  Responsibility rests on mature believers to respond with love and wisdom and patience to immaturity. Paul often challenged the believers of his day to exhort and encourage those Christians who were weaker in their faith.

In another post I will explore more what the scriptures have to say to us on the issue of faith and practice.

DSJ