I Know Him!

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV)

Robert was swept off his feet by Janice. He had met her a few years before when she worked at the convenience store he visited everyday for coffee. They quickly became best friends, never missing the opportunity to talk with one another or to spend time together. Their expression of physical affection was deeply rooted in their emotional intimacy and total trust in each other. It didn’t take long for both Robert and Janice to be able to finish each other’s sentences and to know what the other was thinking. It came as no surprise that Janice leapt into Robert’s arms when he proposed to her at the ski chalet one December day.

“I’ve found the girl I’m going to marry,” said Robert to Allen. “I’ve never experienced love like this before.”

“Are you sure, man?” retorted Allen. “You should be more open minded.”

Allen was unhappy in love. He had bounced from one relationship to the next, never experiencing chemistry with any woman. His relationships always became dysfunctional and ended in bitter discord and an acrimonious breakup. He was now jaded, having long ago given up on his dream to find that perfect relationship with the right woman.

“I’m sure!” exclaimed Robert.

“No, I’m serious, Robert! There are so many girls out there. I mean your girl is good looking for sure but don’t you think there’s a better looking girl out there? Maybe you’ll find a rich girl and you can enjoy her daddy’s money. Maybe there’s a girl out there who will be better in bed, if you know what I mean. Like I said, you should be more open minded.”

“Oh, I’m narrow minded, Allen. She’s the only girl for me because I know her and I enjoy life with her.”

“Dude, come on. I’ve got some books you should read. They’ve got checklists and articles from experts. Do you want me to buy….?”

“Allen, I’m all set. I know Janice and I love Janice dearly. I’m not interested in any other woman.”

A Muslim man I know, who I will call Hamza, came up to me today and challenged my faith in Christianity.

“You should be more open minded, Charles. You should read about Islam. There’s this pastor in Texas who converted to Islam once he read more about it. Let me find the YouTube video about him.”

“No, you don’t need to do that. I’m very narrow minded, Hamza. Jesus is my Lord and Savior,” I responded.

“No. Seriously, Charles, you are missing out. Islam is the only way to God. Just read the Quran. It’s truth. It makes total sense. Your eyes will be opened.”

“Hamza, you don’t get it. I know Jesus Christ. He is my God, my King, my Lord, and my friend. He speaks to me. He guides and directs me. He listens to me. He’s always with me. I know Him and He knows me. I have a personal relationship with Him. There’s no human argument that can persuade me to break my relationship with the most wonderful Friend a man could ever have. I love Him and He loves me and I will walk with Him the rest of my days.”

Christianity is not about doctrine. It is not about theology. It is not about 3 point sermons about the gospel. It is not about good works. It is not about church membership or participation in a ministry. It is not about apologetics.

Christianity is about a relationship. You and Jesus. Jesus and you. Did He forgive you of your sin because He died for you? Do you talk with Him? Do you walk with Him? Do you listen to Him? Has He healed you, provided for you, protected you, rescued you, delivered you, and transformed you? Do you do the things that do because you know they will delight Him? Do you long to see Him? Do you long to spend eternity with Him? Do you defend His honor? Do you tell others about your deep love for Him? Do you love talking about His awesome character? Is He your King? Your Lord? Your Master? Your best friend?

If your answer to these questions is yes, you are as narrow minded as I am. There’s no argument in the world that could convince either of us to turn away from the most important relationship in our lives.