Four Questions Every Believer Should Be Asking

When we know the Lord intimately, the results that follow should look markedly different from culture. Consider these four questions.

We touched on John 14:15 yesterday, as we pondered Jesus’ words that those who love him will obey him, but let’s look at the four questions we should all be asking ourselves.

1. Do I follow the commandments of Scripture? Take a look at James 4:17. (NLT) “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” This is a big deal. Yes, we see Jesus address the sin nature throughout His earthly ministry, but we see James (the brother of Jesus) take it a step further. James isn’t simply talking about sin. Yes, He certainly means that we are to keep the commandments of the Word of God and are to aspire to live holy lives that please the Lord. That is part of it. But those who trust in the Lord will also obey His promptings.
   
   Have you ever felt a nudge not to take that job or befriend that person, or go to that gathering? Have you ever been certain you weren’t to send that email or date that individual, but did it anyway? This is what James is speaking of. We are sinning when we know what we ought to do, through God’s Word and through His Holy Spirit leading us, but then we refuse to do it. A heart surrendered to Jesus takes pleasure in obeying, even when it is hard, because we know the results are always for our good.
2. Does my life yield good fruit? Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a list of spiritual fruit that the Holy Spirit will produce in us, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Are you gentle with your children? Do you respond in kindness to others, even when they are unreasonable? Do you exercise self-control, even when you are enraged and want to lash out at others? Is the joy of the Lord your daily strength? These are the things we should consider. Are we working to actively cultivate good ground that yields a life of good fruit?
3. Does my desire to please the Lord compel me to serve? John 13:1-17 is perhaps one of the most beautiful passages of Scripture on servanthood. In it, we see Jesus kneel before His disciples and wash their feet. Well, of course, they would have been shocked and embarrassed. They were accustomed to kings taking high positions of honor. And yet, we see the Savior of the World bent in complete servanthood. Is this what our life reflects? One of lowly bended knee to serve those around us?
4. Do I fear God? Look at Psalm 111:10. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever. I am concerned that many have lost their healthy fear of the Lord. Too many see God as love and grace without equally balancing His holiness.

The unstuck life is one that can live surrendered to the full counsel of God’s Word. In it, we find instruction, but we also find the keys to freedom. Some of those central keys are healthy fear, good fruit, servanthood, and obedience.

Points to Ponder:

• Have you leaned on God’s grace more than contemplated His holiness?
• Have you been so grateful for all the Lord has done for you that it has compelled you to live a life of service to others? Why or why not?