Matthew Chapter 25
Last night’s sermon by Pr Simon Chin about True Circumcision struck a chord with me as I read the latter part of Matthew 25.
From verse 31 onwards, this is the familiar parable of the separation of the goats and sheep when the Lord comes again.
And the criteria for the separation was not how knowledgeable were the people of the Bible; or how much offerings they had given; or how many positions or jobs they had in church.
But rather, it was the “little” things… feeding those who are hungry, giving water to those who thirst, clothing those who are naked, visiting those who are sick.
Things that true Christians would not even think twice of doing. But things which many of us lack in doing.
If we claim we are Christians and bear the name of Christ, we must be accountable for how we live our lives.
Merely saying we are Christians and that we live for Christ but not showing it in our actions actually shows that we may not be a true follower of Christ.
When we treat people with love, kindness, grace and compassion, we are actually being obedient to Jesus and showing love because this is what He has called us to do and what He has showed us in His life in the world.
We are to be imitators of Christ. We are to following His example and walk in His footsteps.
When we go around showing Christ-like qualities, we are actually magnifying Him and let other people see that there is a difference between true Christians and those who do not know or live for Christ.
Jesus said in John 13:34-35:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
This was a commandment given to us by Jesus. It is clear and direct and if we claim to the the True Circumcised, we should have the desire to actually follow and obey.
One day, we will have to be accountable for our actions. One day, when Jesus calls us before Him, we have to give an account of how we have lived our lives.
Jesus will know us by our actions, or lack of it.
Will we hear Him say,
‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:’
Or will we hear Him say,
‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels:’
Let’s reflect on this today and start treating others with the love of Christ.
Show others that Christ lives in us so that they too, may come and know our Lord and Saviour.
