The Most Frightening Words of Jesus

A few years ago, everything seemed to be going right. HOPE was growing—rapidly. Opportunities were opening up to share our message. Even my family was in a good spot. Life was wonderfully busy. Surely God was blessing us, right?

But doing good can actually be a spiritually dangerous pursuit.

In fact, Jesus says many service-oriented, creative, talented people will come on judgment day and say to Him, “Look at the works we have performed in your name, the miracles, the prophecies.”

But Christ will say to them one of the most shocking statements recorded in all Scripture, “I never knew you” (Matthew 7:22–23).

It’s possible to be doing good things in a way that pleases everyone… except Christ. So how do you know if our service is leading us in the wrong direction? Here are a few warning signs I missed:

• Is our emphasis on what we do or who we are? Is time in prayer and study of Scripture  marginalized—“less important” than all the good work we have to do?
• Are we secretly hoping to be recognized for our service? It’s easy to do our good works with the hopes that we’ll be able to post a picture or tweet about them – instead of being solely centered on pleasing Christ.
• Do we believe ministry “success” is because we are doing something right? Are we relying on our strength, our  creativity, our performance, our gifts and talents instead of an utter reliance on God and His power? Is prayer an add-on or the centerpiece of our service?
• Are we in real relationships? Do we have people who will help us spot the slow drift or cooling of our faith?
• Is pride poisoning even the most sacrificial service? When all was well, are we puffed up on our success? If so, doing good becomes the enemy to the Gospel.

We need to remember how Jesus clearly said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Jesus didn’t say something. He said nothing. 

If we are ever going to make a difference, we need to begin by abiding in Christ. Our service starts from a position where we don’t see all we have to do, but rather, what Christ has already done. We begin not by focusing on our grand plans and strategies, but the love we’ve already received.

Only when we look at the world through the cross, do we rediscover WHY we serve.  It’s not about a growing ministry. Or doing more good deeds.  It’s simply a response to the most radical love the world has ever known.

As we celebrate the Resurrection this week, I hope this world-changing act of love becomes the motivation for a generation known for radical service, as we follow the way of Jesus.