Articles
MUST We?
Likely you've seen the highway sign that says: Right Lane MUST Turn Right.
The MUST, in larger letters on the sign, lets the driver know in no uncertain terms that going straight ahead in the right lane is not an option.
What is there in human nature that so often chafes against the “musts” of life? Is it a prideful desire to be self-directed, answerable to none? God’s word teaches the opposite.”
Jesus submitted to His parents (Luke 2:51) and to His Father’s will (John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38). In this He models for us the humble, obedient spirit God desires in each of us.
To Jesus, what was the ultimate “must”? “…that he MUST go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed…” (Matt. 16:21 —emphasis added; cf. Luke 17:25; 24:6-7).
What “musts” apply to us? “…whoever would draw near to God MUST believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb. 11:6). This “must” applies to far more than simply believing God exists. Most people do that much. But God rewards only those who seek Him.
Here’s another: “You MUST be born again” (John 3:7). Baptism—being “born of water and of the Spirit”—is a must if we want to “enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5; cf. Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Titus 3:5).
Then “we MUST all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Cor. 5:10).
We may exercise our free will not to seek God, not to be baptized, and not to submit to God’s other requirements. But do we have any choice about appearing “before the judgment seat of Christ”? There’s no escaping it.
Isn’t it to our advantage to humble ourselves and submit while we can to whatever God says we must do?
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
