What Shall It Be?
Our title is the question of life. As rational thinking humans, we are faced with making choices. This begins even in childhood as our parents ask us to choose which clothes we want to wear, what food we want for supper, or the many other options that are presented in our youth. Our parents also must make decisions that affect us as well as each other. Some of these are where to live, what kind of work to do to provide for the family, or what kind of example to set before each other and the kids.
However, the time comes when all must make decisions specifically for themselves when it comes to where to live, where to work, the choice of a mate, and yes, what kind of person you will be in society. Will you be a benefit to your family? Will you choose well and become successful in your vocation? In so doing, will you be respected as an honest employee, boss, or person? We cannot go through life allowing others to make our choices or blame others when the choices we make prove to be unwise.
This is never more true than when it comes to the choice all must make about their soul. When we are brought into this world, we are blessed to be provided with a soul, a living spirit, in the image of God. True, as infants and small children, we live in innocence and depend on our parents to guide us. But what about when we are grown? Can we continue to rely on choices others make for us? What would God have us know? What does the Bible have to say about this aspect of life?
We learn from Psalm 119:109 the Spirit gave the psalmist Words to write to show each has responsibility for his/her own soul. This passage also shows how the psalmist used to protect his soul. He wrote: “My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law.” This is given that all might understand that their eternal destiny is up to them. However, God will not save a soul if that soul refuses His plan. In Psalm 73:24 we read: “Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” – This is only “if” the psalmist obeys God’s counsel.
Those who obey God’s counsel, under whatever dispensation and Law of God they lived and died, will benefit. They will hear the Words that Jesus spoke in the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:21 when He said: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant:”. On the other hand, those who refuse or reject the inspired advice and guidance God has provided in His Word cannot expect a pleasant eternity. 2Thessalonians 1:8-9 presents a vivid picture of the of the outcome of those who refuse, reject, or even “partially” obey God’s Word. It reads: “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”.
Know also per Romans 2:11, that God is not a ‘respecter of persons. If a person choses to live contrary to God’s divine instructions, his/her soul is in jeopardy. Galatians 6:7 warns “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Therefore, the important question of Pilate from Matthew 27:22a is applicable to all. He asked: What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? We all know how the Jews to whom Pilate asked this question responded. They said “Let him be crucified.” This is also the question which prompted a song in most hymnals, yet is often sung without giving thought to an honest answer. The lyrics of the song are listed below.
What Shall It Be?
(1)
What will you do with Jesus? The question comes to you!
And you must give an answer, For something you must do.
(2)
What will you do with Jesus? It comes by night and day;
With pierced hands uplifted, He waits – what will you say?
(3)
What will you do with Jesus? He’s knocking at the door!
Refuse Him, soul no longer, Lest He should plead no more.
(chorus)
What Shall it be? What shall it be? What shall your answer be?
What will you do with Jesus? O what shall your answer be?
Another song from the hymnals, taken from the same scripture, asks another question. That song is entitled: “What Will You Do With Jesus?”. The song ends with the question: “What shall He do with me?”. That, my friend, depends on what you do with Him while you live your life on earth. Isn’t it time you stopped and considered your eternity in light of what God has stated in His New Testament Word? It is only in this life that you have opportunity to secure a home in heaven. It’s true we can’t earn it, but we can spurn it. If we reject God’s plan, we reject the reward. We are also accepting the penalty He has laid out for the disobedient and unfaithful in His Word. What Shall It Be? It’s entirely up to you. Decide and obey the gospel today, not man’s doctrine. Then remain faithful until death. The reward is worth it.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
