Knowing Is Half the Battle

There is a difference between knowing and doing.

Most of us spent some part of our childhoods watching GI Joe on Channel 16 or the occasional episode on Boomerang, and for many American males, he was a relatable character worthy of our emulation. While Rambo had the bigger muscles and the two mercenaries on the video game Contra were all-around bad dudes, GI Joe was the soldier whom we all knew was committed to the US of A and in most episodes, he would save America and the world from terrorists specifically Destro and his minions from destroying our way of life.

‘Merica.

Go Joe!

In the Bible, a rich man with that problem came to Jesus. He knew the old Mosaic laws and believed that he had kept the commandments since his youth, but he wondered how he could inherit eternal life. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” [Mark 10:17].

Jesus’s reply disappointed the rich man mightily – he was told to sell his possessions, give the proceeds to the poor, and follow Him [v. 21]. With those few words, he sadly walked away as a result of having a fact about him exposed. He didn’t want to give up money and earthly prominence; eternity in Paradise was supposed to be something he could earn or buy his way into akin to how many of us have purchased our homes. In other words, he trusted his short-term wealth and security more than he did the Savior.

Know anyone like that? You don’t have to call out names as we may need to periodically look in the mirror to see a reflection of this young man in our actions, demeanor, or tone. Therefore, this could easily be any of us.  

Even so, what was the Teacher thinking shunning away the successful – the ones the modern-day church tends to fawn upon at the expense of the members who need the Word as well? I know it is within human nature (in the Baptist church, anyway) to choose our leaders by what they drive; where they live and/or were educated; how they look in a black suit and crisp white shirt; or how large of a check they contribute to the tithes and offering. His own disciples were alarmed at this sighting of the rich man trudging away with a solemn look; naturally they inquired into the reason asking, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replied, “With man, this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God” [v.27].

Doing this work takes real courage and faith. Our failure in placing our faith in God regarding ministry is we have a Field of Dreams mentality – in other words, if you build it, they will come. 

Remember, even the most worldly among us do acknowledge the Word of God in one respect or another and are often well-versed in Scripture. Study to stay on your A game!

If you declare it with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe it in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9