Religious people typically act in accord with the dictates of the conscience. This is commendable. Paul made clear that we should always do what we believe to be right, “for whatever is not from faith is sin” (Romans 14:23).
What is equally true is that many, in doing what they think is right, are actually violating God’s will. In other words, they are convinced they are doing what God wants them to do, but they are mistaken. This is a serious problem, as noted by the Lord Himself:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23).
Even if one is completely sincere and convinced that what he does is done in the name of Jesus, it does not make it so. Those who are not doing the will of God are guilty of sin. This is why it is so important to look to scripture to determine what is “right” and what is “wrong.”
The fourth and fifth chapters of Acts illustrate this truth well. In chapter four, Peter and John were arrested for speaking in the name of Jesus. In response, Peter said, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). Notice that Peter and John were compelled to “listen” to God. They were compelled to speak of what they had “seen” and “heard.”
In chapter five, Peter and John were joined by the rest of the apostles. Again afoul of the Jewish leaders, they were again commanded to not teach in the name of Jesus. “But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ‘We ought to obey God rather than men’” (Acts 5:29).
This is the key. It is wonderful for religious people to act on their conviction. However, their conviction must be to obey God rather than men!
What is it that makes an act acceptable to God? It is not merely intent. It is not merely sincerity. Are you obeying God?
The next time someone denies the importance of a “pattern,” or uses the term “legalist” to describe those who make an appeal to scripture for their practice, remember the words of the apostles, “We ought to obey God…”
It is wonderful to “feel compelled.” Love for the Lord and zeal are necessary things to please Him. But, what do you feel compelled to do? You “ought to” feel compelled “to obey God”!
To see The Patternists Page on Facebook, click here, and Like!
