Last Friday night, I met up with my friend, Jerry. We normally meet up on Friday nights to go fishing. The drive to Dandridge was not extraordinarily exciting except around exit eight. I got off of the exit and started up the small hill. An older gentleman turned down the exit the wrong way. He was coming right at me! I started honking my horn and waving my hands to get his attention, but he drove right past me. The truck behind me turned as to block the gentleman from continuing down the ramp into oncoming traffic. He just skirted around the truck and kept going. As I crossed the overpass, I looked to see if he made it alright. That was all I could do.
Why would I tell you this story? I have no idea what ever happened to that gentleman. There are times in our lives when we see people who are not living as they ought. They may believe it is a good way and that it will lead them where they intend to go. However, they are mistaken. Jesus described this type of person in the Sermon on the Mount. Listen to His words, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast our demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:21-23 NKJV). There is no doubt these individuals were honest and sincere with their words and actions. They trusted that they were doing the right things. They were wrong.
There is a car that has the words “Only God Can Judge Me” on it driving around Greeneville. I understand what it means. God will judge others and us one day. Following God is more than a list of rules, but it is also more than what we feel in our hearts. There is a balance. As we find those who want to be with God, let us help them find the way. If we are not who we profess, then let us change. We do not want to be found going the wrong way when Jesus returns!
