When we review the past year, 2020, we note that science has made great strides, but, on the other hand, people have become fearful because of the political crises in the world. Health, education, and the economy have been greatly affected by, not only the global pandemic of COVID-19, but other crises as well. In the spiritual realm, the events that have occurred tell us that great events are soon to take place in the world.
In everything that happened—yes, even in spite of apparent progress—the problems which the world is grappling with have not become any less difficult to solve. Perplexity, fear, and uncertainty concerning the future are constantly increasing. To God’s people, whose expectations and hopes are not centered upon this world, this should prove that time is running out. The rapidly occurring events, the far reaching plans of science, and the finely woven deceptions of the powers of darkness all proclaim that the time still allotted to us is short. With the approach of the hour of judgment the dangers for God’s people are also increasing. Did you know that “it is sinful to be indifferent to the signs which are to precede the second coming of Christ”? –The Acts of Apostles, p. 211. If you are indifferent, what do you want?
Here is the short question, “What do you want?” In life this question is common. I will presume that you have asked this question, or answered it at some point in time. When two people do not understand each other, then one may ask the other, “Finally, what do you want?” “What is your problem?”
Jesus, Himself, asked this question. “Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye?” John 1:38
In the New International Version this verse reads, “turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “what do you want?”
The New Century Version reads, “what are you looking for?” “What do you seek?” World English Bible. In another version it reads, “What is your wish?”
What caused Jesus to ask this question and to whom? He wanted to know exactly what the reason was that Andrew and John were following Him. Christ’s question to these two men is the same challenging question that He asks every one of us today. Jesus knew what was in their hearts, but He wanted them to consider the motive behind their actions. Were they following Him out of idle curiosity? Or did they understand and acknowledge that He is the way of Life and the Saviour?
What did they want?
No one can do something without a clear understanding of what he wants. The same applies to Christianity. We read in John 6 the interesting but sad story of the crowd that followed Jesus. The crowd ate and were satisfied. The following day, they came to look for Jesus, not as a teacher but for personal selfish interests. They even crossed the lake by ship to meet Him on the other side of the sea and asked “Rabbi, when camest Thou hither.” But Jesus answered, “Ye seek Me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” John 6:25–26. He told another group of Jews, “But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.” “And ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life.” John 5:42, 40
They came to look for Jesus, but when He presented the truth as it is revealed in Him, what took place?
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life.” “Whoso
eateth My flesh, and drinketh My blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” “The Jews then murmured at Him, because He said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.” “It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.”
“The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” “Many therefore of His disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it?” “From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.” John 6:47–48, 41, 63, 54, 52, 60, 66. What did they want?
They showed that they wanted Jesus as a Rabbi. But when the Bread of Life was presented to them, their attitude proved what type of bread they really wanted. “The Jews then murmured at Him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.” And “From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.” But, why? Are you like them? By deciding to follow Jesus and becoming a Christian what do you want?
“The Laodicean message applies to the people of God who profess to believe present truth. The greater part are lukewarm professors, having a name but no zeal.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 87
What do you want?
I recently visited some interested souls and one of them said, “The truth has been clearly presented, and the time will come when we shall make a decision, but the time is not now.” He claims that he needs more time to think before making a decision. Do you feel the same? If yes, what do you really want? If you know the truth and you do not follow it, it is sin (James 4:17).
What do you want?
I have met people who have come to church for a long time but they do not decide to become members, although they do not oppose the truth that is presented. One can be an interested soul for one, two, or many more years. Despite all the proof, all the evidence provided, they are still doubting. This is the attitude of unbelief.
Dear reader, maybe you are not interested in religious matters, or in searching to discover the truth about the true Christian Church—what do you wait for? To some people, Jesus could sadly say: “But I said unto you, That ye also have seen Me, and believe not.” John 6:36. What more did they want? Maybe you are a member but you are not climbing the ladder of growing in faith by God’s grace—what do you want?
It does happen that there are professed Christians who never grow, but rather they are backsliding until they become in spirit and conduct entirely like the world, from whence they professed to come out of. In the end, they either retain their membership and become dead formalists, “having a name to live while they are dead”—“having a form of godliness, while denying the power thereof”—or they renounce their profession and separate from the church, openly taking their stand with the enemies of Christ. If this describes you, what do you want?
“It is the unbelief, the worldliness, unconsecration, and strife among the Lord’s professed people that have kept us in this world of sin and sorrow so many years. . . . We may have to remain here in this world because of insubordination many more years, as did the children of Israel; but for Christ’s sake, His people should not add sin to sin by charging God with the consequence of their own wrong course of action.” –Maranatha, p. 19
“Be not like the foolish virgins, who take for granted that the promises of God are theirs, while they do not follow the injunctions of Christ. Christ teaches us that profession is nothing. ‘If any man will come after Me,’ He says, ‘let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” –Ibid., p. 54
Joshua’s time and ours
Joshua encouraged the Israelites to choose well; to decide what they really wanted. It was a critical time in the history of Israel. For the second time, a great leader was about to pass from their midst. Many years before, Moses, in the final days before his departure, had gathered the people together to encourage them to be faithful. In his place, Joshua was chosen by God to lead the nation; but now he too is about to depart this life. And, like Moses, Joshua now calls the people together for some departing words. We could summarize Joshua’s final words by saying, “it’s time to make a choice” or “chose what you really want.” Choose between serving the Lord and living in the world. Even today many are undecided. They want to go to heaven, but they want to live like the world. Are you one of them? What do you want?
If Joshua was here today, he would appeal to the professed Christians, the lukewarm members, to choose between Christ and the world. We are blessed with the knowledge of the truth. We have so many blessings that God has given us. Every day, you and I stand in the same place as the children of Israel. We face many decisions and are called to, “choose you this day whom you will serve,” the gods around you or the LORD your God?
Joshua was asking, “what do you want?” “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:14–15
We cannot be serve God and the world at the same time. We can choose to follow the word of God or we can choose to follow the philosophies of men; but we cannot do both. We can choose to become a member of the church of Christ, or we can choose to join a denomination established by men; but we cannot do both. We can choose to worship in spirit and truth, or we can choose the worship what pleases us; but we cannot do both. We can choose the lifestyle of holiness or we can choose the lifestyle of worldly fashion; but we cannot do both. If we want both, then Elijah’s message is applicable to us.
Elijah’s time repeated in the last days
“And Elijah came unto all the people, and said, How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow Him: but if Baal, then follow him.” [in other words, what do you want?] “And the people answered him not a word.” 1 Kings 18:21. Elijah said, “if Baal is god, serve him.”
There is a standard of a true Christian. Not all who profess to be Christians are genuine Christians. To be a genuine Christian you must:
- Accept that you are a sinner.
- Believe in Christ as your Saviour, your Substitute, your Lord and King, and follow His example.
- Confess and repent your known sins, renouncing your sinful life by the help of the Holy Spirit.
- Obey the Ten Commandments and live according to the present truth.
- Be able to give reason for your faith.
- 6. Make a covenant with the Lord through baptism.
If you follow these steps and continue to grow, then you are a Christian. The important question though is, whether you are a genuine Christian or not. If not, what do you want then?
Have you ever wondered whether you are a true Christian or not? Remember, to be Christian is more than a mere profession. Some people believe that there are Christians who are thieves, liars, intemperate, or who commit adultery, etc. but the truth is, there is a Christian and there is a liar; there is not a lying Christian. There is a murderer and there is a Christian not a murdering Christian, etc. To be a Christian is more than a mere profession. Let us consider the following standards:
You are not a Christian just because you say that you are. “Many who profess to be children of God follow their worldly pursuits with an intensity that gives the lie to their profession. They will be planting and building, buying and selling, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the last moment of their probation. This is the condition of a large number of our own people.” –Maranatha, p.51
You are not a Christian if you have not been born again. “When men who claim to be Christians retain all their natural defects of character and disposition, in what does their position differ from that of the worldling? They do not appreciate the truth as a sanctifier, a refiner. They have not been born again.” –Ibid., p. 237
You are not a Christian just because you like Jesus. Judas followed Jesus, but this did not bring any change. There is a difference between “to like” and “to work”
Do you like Jesus? Then prove it by your works.
You are not a Christian if you enjoy sin. “But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.” 1 Timothy 5:6. “Those who are drifting with the tide, who love pleasure and self-indulgence, and choose the easier way, regardless of principle so long as their desires are gratified–these will never stand with the overcomers around the great white throne.” –My Life Today, p. 71
You are not a Christian if you do not endure to the end. “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5. “All are called to endure hardness, as good soldiers.” –My Life Today, p. 319
You are not a Christian if you do not love other people. “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35. “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.” Romans 12:10. This is the teaching of our Saviour.
“The cultivation of a uniform courtesy, a willingness to do to others as we would wish them to do to us, would annihilate half the ills of life. The spirit of self-aggrandizement is the spirit of Satan; but the heart in which the love of Christ is cherished, will possess that charity which seeketh not her own. Such will heed the divine injunction, ‘Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.’ Philippians 2:4.” –Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 132–133
You are not a Christian just because you always attend meetings. “By many who bear Christ’s name, His glory is obscured, His beauty veiled, His honor withheld. There are many whose names are on the church books, but who are not under Christ’s rule. They are not heeding His instruction or doing His work. Therefore they are under the control of the enemy. They are doing no positive good; therefore they are doing incalculable harm. Because their influence is not a savor of life unto life, it is a savor of death unto death.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 304
You are not a Christian because you sacrifice yourself for good works. All who are baptized are to give evidence that they have been converted. All must be aware of the impossibility of fallen man meriting anything by his own best good works. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone. We must not trust ourselves or our good works; but when as erring, sinful beings we come to Christ, we may find rest in His love.
You are not a Christian if you do not grow. The germination of a seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. The same applies to a Christian life.
You are not a Christian if you do not bring others to Christ. Jesus went into Galilee, and found Philip. He said unto him, “Follow Me.” Philip obeyed the command, and straightway became a worker for Christ. He called Nathanael. When Nathanael doubted, Philip replied simply, “come and see”. “These examples should teach us the importance of personal effort, of making direct appeals to our kindred, friends, and neighbors. There are those who for a lifetime have professed to be acquainted with Christ, yet who have never made a personal effort to bring even one soul to the Saviour. They leave all the work for the minister. He may be well qualified for his calling, but he cannot do that which God has left for the members of the church.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 141
What do you want?
Elijah said: if Baal is god then serve him. What is your Baal today that is hindering you from becoming fully committed to God’s service?
If money is your god, you will serve it with all your heart. You will get all you can and even cheat if need be, if it is for the ultimate good. You will not give any way. You may believe that money is not God, but you may be divided in your allegiance between it and God. To obey God, you will see yourself only as a steward of your money, rendering a faithful tithe and offering to the church.
If the approval of people is your god, you will live to please them. You will do whatever you have to do to earn their approval.
If beauty or romance is your god then you will go anywhere to find them.
But in all, consider the word of God, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” Galatians 6:6–7
“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.” Ecclesiastes 12:9
“Or despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil.” Romans 2:4–9. Then, what do you want? God gives you the freedom to choose, but He will not leave you unpunished if you choose the wrong way.
Positive change is possible
What we want or think about is very important. This will determine our character and destiny. We need to pray the prayer of David, and accept the Lord’s answer, inviting Him to search our hearts. “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23–24
Take time for thorough self-examination: deal faithfully with your soul. Be in earnest to search out all your secret sins and to repent of them. Renew your covenant with God and make a firm decision to amend your ways in the strength of divine grace. If you find that you have been harbouring sinful indulgences, make earnest confession to God, and do not rest until you have the assurance of pardon. Bring your case to the great Physician.
Growing spiritually is to be considered carefully. Make it a priority. True Christian growth will never be attained without vigorous continual effort. It must be made more important than all earthly pursuits. Study the Word of God daily, and strive to obtain a clear view of redemption and the requirements of God. Learn to contemplate the truth at all times so you may be able to defend the truth against opposers. Learn to sit at the feet of Jesus in the spirit of a child.
Pray constantly and fervently for the influences of the Holy Spirit. It is of no value to pray if you indulge in evil thoughts and imaginations, or if you give way to the evil passions of anger, pride and avarice, or do not bridle your tongue from evil speaking.
Cultivate and exercise brotherly love more than you have been accustomed to do. Christ is displeased with professed followers who are cold and indifferent to their brothers and sisters in the faith. They do little to comfort and encourage them; and to some weak ones in the flock they have become a stumbling block. Their conversation and conduct is not edifying. There should be more Christian conversation and friendly interactions between the followers of Christ.
Make the glory of God and Christ’s Kingdom a priority, practicing self-denial every day. Put a wholesome restraint upon your appetites. Be not conformed to this world. Let your dress, your house, your furniture, be plain and simple, as becomes a Christian. Learn from Christ how you ought to suffer. Let perfect submission to the will of God be your goal. Never indulge a murmuring or discontented spirit. Commit all your cares to God. Make known your requests to Him by prayer and supplication. Let go your of your grasp on the world. Wait patiently for the change to take place, but determine that you will live for the glory of God.
The change in your life is possible. Isaiah tells us, “Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.” Isaiah 1:16–17
What would you answer to Jesus if He asked you, “what do you want? What seek you?”
Let us learn to do good, by fixing our mind on the will of the Lord and not our own, so that what we really want is not found in the world, but in Christ alone.
Victor Shumbusho, DR Congo