Make Believers vs Believers

Make Believers vs Believers

They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! – 2 Timothy 3:5

Matthew 7:21-23:

Not everyone who calls out to me, “Lord! Lord!” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.

On judgment day many will say to me, “Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.” But I will reply, “I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.”

The Danger of Spiritual Deception

Spiritual deception remains one of the most serious dangers confronting the modern Church. The difference between a True Believer and a Make Believer is not always immediately obvious, because fake faith can closely imitate real devotion. The Scriptures repeatedly warn that counterfeit faith can bear a striking resemblance to the genuine. Fake faith may speak the words of the Scriptures, imitate the same religious patterns, and appeal to the same sacred name. Yet resemblance is not the same as reality. For that reason, careful and prayerful discernment is essential. Spiritual deception remains one of the Church’s greatest risks precisely because falsehood often presents itself in the form of apparent faithfulness. As 2 Timothy 3:5 warns, some “will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.”

There is a profound difference between bearing the title of a child of the King and truly living as one. Tragically, it is possible to speak the name of Jesus without genuinely knowing the Christ behind the name. Both the Believer and the Make Believer may have an appearance of godliness, but the Scriptures draw a clear and uncompromising line between those who truly know the Father and those who merely perform. To mistake false faith for genuine faith has serious consequences, not just in this life but for eternity.

Imagine a Poor, Unknown Beggar

Pause for a moment and imagine first-century Jerusalem, where people move through the rhythms of everyday life. At the city gates, passersby regularly encounter a beggar, an ordinary, unremarkable man with a disheveled beard and tattered clothing. Nothing about his appearance suggests beauty or majesty. He seems to be a nobody, someone easily overlooked and not regarded as worthy of honor or respect.

Yet a closer look tells a different story. Only those who dare to pause long enough to truly gaze into his eyes perceive the radiance of God’s light shining from within. Everyone is aware of him, yet no one truly knows Who He is.

A Grave Warning 

In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord Jesus Christ exposes this danger with unmistakable clarity in Matthew 7:21-23:

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.

On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’”

This is a dire warning from Jesus, highlighting the gap between outward claims and inner truth. He is not referring to open unbelievers who outright reject Him or to those unaware of His teachings. Instead, He describes those who publicly acknowledge Him, calling Him “Lord,” and even perform remarkable acts in His name. They prophesy, cast out demons, and do mighty deeds, appearing devoted and spiritually impressive followers by all visible standards. Nonetheless, the King Himself harshly declares, “I never knew you.”

His message is particularly chilling because it confronts the dangerous misconception that religious activity equals authentic faith. Jesus is not describing open enemies who despised His name or skeptics unfamiliar with His teaching. He is speaking of people who publicly identified with Him, called Him “Lord,” and performed works in His name while remaining deeply estranged from Him. Jesus’ words force us to confront the uncomfortable truth that outward appearances can conceal profound spiritual emptiness.

This passage draws a stark and alarming line between hollow religion and true faith, between mere external performance and genuine obedience, and between human accolades and being truly recognized by Christ. The warning is clear and unmistakable: mere proximity to holiness does not equate to a real personal relationship with the Savior. One can stand at the very precipice of God’s work yet remain eternally separated from Him. This text is penetrating in its clarity. The decisive issue is not how religious a person appears, but whether that person is truly known by Christ.

I Never Knew You

The force of Christ’s statement rests on the meaning of the word “knew.” The Greek term ginōskō, translated here as “knew,” refers to “intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge.” It signifies “far more than intellectual awareness or factual familiarity.” In Matthew 7:23, ginōskō points to “a personal, one-on-one experiential relationship.”

For that reason, when Jesus says, “I never knew you,” He is not suggesting that He lacked information about these individuals. His words are not a statement of ignorance. He is declaring that no true saving relationship ever existed between Him and them. They may have known facts about Him, spoken His name with confidence, and operated within visibly religious or even seemingly spiritual settings.

This is the heart of the warning. The central issue is not whether they were active in religion, but whether they were truly united to Christ. They displayed religious performance but lacked spiritual reality. They had the title “Lord” on their lips, but not humble obedience in their lives. Their profession was public, but their relationship with Christ was nonexistent.

The force of these words should be crushing, if not terrorizing. They are a judicial verdict of their spiritual separation and alienation from the Lord Jesus Christ. Rather than being part of the Father’s Forever Family, Make Believers are spiritual orphans, without God in this world and for all eternity.

How many people who are our acquaintances, friends, even family members are living in the condemnation of this self-inflicted delusion?

REFLECT & PRAY

True Believers know and follow Christ; Make Believers merely appear faithful. Jesus warns that religious activity, spiritual display, and outward devotion cannot substitute for a genuine relationship with him.

Father, it is sad to realize that many individuals who believe they are assured of their eternal destiny have never personally encountered You. Awaken those who are spiritually blind, that they may see and enter into Your Forever Family.

INSIGHT

True Believers and Make Believers

The distinction between True Believers and Make Believers ultimately hinges on the heart’s condition and the authentic fruit resulting from a life surrendered to God. Jesus clearly emphasizes that entry into the Kingdom isn’t based on outward religious achievements or reputation but on doing the will of the Father.

In contrast, True Believers show signs of inward change. Their lives more and more demonstrate obedience, humility, holiness, and spiritual fruit. Their confidence before God isn’t based on reputation, productivity, or a religious résumé, but on a true union with Christ. Paul characterizes such a life as one that walks worthily before the Lord, producing good fruit and increasing in the knowledge of God. This language is one of relationship rather than performance.

The Motive Behind the Miracle

If mighty works are not proof of divine approval, what separates genuine spiritual activity from a counterfeit display? One important test is motive. In Matthew 7:21-23, those whom Jesus rejects present their accomplishments as their defense. They point to their prophecies, exorcisms, and miracles.

This passage reveals their hearts. They focus on public displays of power. Their defense relies on achievements rather than humble submission. They care more about spectacle than whether they genuinely belong to Christ. The Make Believer uses miracles for self-interest; the True Believer obeys and serves the Father.

Not all religious activities stem from love for God. Some are motivated by the desire for influence, status, or self-glorification. The key question is not whether something impressive occurred, but whether the person’s life demonstrates truth, humility, and submission to God’s will.  

Discerning the True from the Counterfeit

The Scriptures provide a clear standard for distinguishing what is genuine from what is false.

First, the fruit of a person’s life must be examined rather than isolated moments of spiritual intensity. Matthew 7:17 teaches, “A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit.” Genuine faith leaves lasting evidence in a person’s life, including holiness, humility, obedience, love for truth, and perseverance.

Second, true spiritual authority cannot be borrowed, imitated, or mechanically invoked. It arises from truly knowing God through obedience, prayer, and continual surrender.

Third, the direction of every spiritual display must be carefully considered. Does it lead people to glorify God, deepen their reverence for his truth, and encourage greater obedience to his will? Or does it draw attention to the individual, elevate personality, and cultivate dependence on spectacle?

Finally, every claim must be tested by the Scriptures. Isaiah 8:20 teaches that those who contradict God’s word are in darkness. Prophecies, miracles, teachings, and spiritual experiences must all be measured against the Word of God.

Living as a True Child of the King

The warning in Matthew 7:21-23 is not meant to produce fear in those who truly belong to Christ. Rather, it calls people to sober honesty before God. It forces every professing believer to ask where their confidence truly rests. Is it in a real relationship with Christ, or in religious performance that only imitates devotion?

The tragedy of the Make Believer is not outward failure, but inward self-deception.

It is the deadly confidence placed in works, titles, giftedness, and activity instead of in the reality of knowing Christ and being known by Him.  

The true child of the King stands before God, based on their personal relationship with Christ, not their personal accomplishments. Real discipleship is marked by faithful obedience, a heart yielded to the Father’s will, and a life steadily formed by truth.

This form of discipleship is nurtured through relationship rather than mere performance, humility rather than a desire for recognition, and lasting impact rather than fleeting displays of faith. It is characterized by quiet sincerity in contrast to the theatrical nature of counterfeit religion, and authenticity where false spirituality thrives on self-promotion. In essence, this discipleship emphasizes a deep-rooted commitment that flourishes beyond superficial appearances.

Not everyone who speaks in His name truly belongs to Him. Not everyone who appears spiritually powerful is approved by Him. The decisive issue is whether a person is truly known by Christ and walks in obedient submission to the Father. That is the dividing line between True Believers and Make Believers. One has Christ Himself; the other has only the appearance of Him. One enters the Kingdom; the other hears the most terrifying words ever spoken: “I never knew you.”

Judgment Day is Coming

The powerful and challenging words of the Lord Jesus Christ should provoke deep self-examination and urgency. He aims to awaken the spiritually blind to the eternal difference between truly knowing Him and merely knowing about Him. His words are meant to awaken. He is pleading with people to seize the opportunity before them, to cease being Make Believers and become True Believers, avoiding hell.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

© Dr. H 2026

Feeling His Pleasure ∙∙

Feeling His Pleasure ∙∙

God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. – Philippians 2:13

Hebrews 13:20-21

Now may the God of peace – who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood – may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

Chariots of Fire: Two Visions of Life Itself

Chariots of Fire, which premiered on April 9, 1982, tells the compelling story of two elite British athletes as they prepare for and compete in the 1924 Olympic Games. It transcends the boundaries of a traditional sports film. It asks larger questions about what drives us, where true power comes from, and whether the deepest longings of the heart.  

At the heart of the film are two very different men, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell. They are not simply two athletes, but two visions of life itself.

Harold Abrahams

Harold Abrahams is portrayed as a gifted athlete driven by ambition, discipline, and a desire to win. Victory is not merely important to him; it is everything. Running becomes the center of his identity, and his drive is fueled by both talent and pain. His inner conflict is captured in the line, “If I cannot win, I will not run.”

Abrahams is presented as a troubled man, marked by feelings of alienation, isolation, and discrimination because of his Jewish heritage. His race is not only against other competitors, but also against his own fears, wounds, and sense of exclusion. His struggle is poignantly reflected in the sentiment, “I am invited to the table but denied the drink.” That image captures the anguish of being outwardly welcomed while inwardly rejected.

Eric Liddell

Eric Liddell stands in sharp contrast as a man of faith whose life is ordered by devotion to family, country, friends, and above all, to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God. Liddell does not view his athletic skill as a platform for self-glory, but as a gift entrusted to him by the Father. He recognizes that his ability comes from God, who strengthens and equips him for the race set before him.

His perspective is most memorably captured in the well-known statement, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

The Duke of Sutherland observes, “The lad is a true man of principles and a true athlete. His speed is a mere extension of his life, its force.” His athletic skill was intertwined with his spiritual life; it reflected his inner soul. For him, strength was linked to faith, and guidance emerged from devotion to Christ. Consequently, his running was not about exalting himself but about being in harmony with the Father, honoring His will.

Created for the Father’s Purpose

Many children of the King struggle to understand the Father’s place in their lives. When that understanding is unclear, it is easy to adopt a shallow or distorted view of Him. Some imagine the Father as a gentle, grandfatherly figure whose role is to comfort us, satisfy our desires, and make our wishes true. Although He is undeniably loving, generous, and compassionate, He does not exist to revolve around us. We were created for Him, not He for us.

Recognizing this truth is both sobering and freeing. It corrects self-centered assumptions while opening the way to a deeper understanding of who we are. Our lives are not accidental, and our purpose is not self-defined. Every part of our being has been shaped intentionally by the Father’s hand. Long before we entered the world, He determined the good works, responsibilities, and opportunities through which we would serve His will.

For that reason, each child of the King has been uniquely formed for a particular place in His work. Our abilities, life experiences, and callings are not random; they are part of the Father’s design. He equips each of His children to participate in what He is doing.

Ephesians 2:10: “We are His workmanship. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Our deepest satisfaction comes from discerning what the Father is doing and joining Him in it. When we serve as we were created to serve, we experience joy, clarity, and wholeness. In doing His pleasure, we come to feel His pleasure.

REFLECT & PRAY

Children of the King should pray that each of us would be prepared to carry out the Father’s will faithfully and fruitfully.

Father, You are the Potter, and I am Your clay. You molded me to participate in Your work on earth. Fill my heart with joy in Your will and shape my life so that it reflects Your good pleasure. Reveal to me where I seek self-validation instead of walking in the path You have laid out for me.

INSIGHT

Equipped for His Will

The Father does not call His children to serve Him without also providing what they need. He supplies the strength, grace, and spiritual formation necessary for obedience. Through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, He works within us to produce what pleases Him.

Hebrews 13:21: “May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him.”

The Greek term for “equip” is katartizo, a word that carries the sense of “preparing, restoring, mending, or making something fit for its intended purpose.” The word was used in settings such as mending nets or setting bones, both of which suggest restoration for useful service.

When he prays, the writer of Hebrews is not trying to persuade the Father to become involved in our lives. Rather, he is praying in harmony with what the Father already desires. His prayer is that the Father’s will would be carried out on earth just as it is in heaven, in the lives of His people. Because we are His workmanship, the Father is committed to bringing His purpose to completion in us.

He heals what has been broken so that we may walk uprightly. He repairs what has been torn so that we may once again be useful in His service. He strengthens what is weak so that we may endure difficulty and trial with steadfastness. He matures us so that His work may be accomplished in us and through us in a manner that pleases Him.

As Wiersbe observes, the Father equips His children much like a physician setting broken bones, a fisherman repairing torn nets, or a commander preparing soldiers for battle. Each image points to the same reality: the Father does not abandon His people in weakness but prepares them for the work He has called them to do.

The Father’s Provision

The Father not only gives purpose; He supplies what is needed when it is needed. His provision is not excessive, but it is always sufficient for the work He intends us to do.

2 Corinthians 9:8: “God will generously provide all you need. Then, you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others.”

This promise does not imply that every believer will experience material wealth. Instead, it means that God supplies what is necessary for each good work to those who walk in obedience and generosity. His provision is deliberate; He gives so His people can serve Him and share His grace.

Eric Liddell understood this well. He knew what it was to feel the Father’s pleasure while fulfilling his assignment. He also saw that earthly success is never the ultimate goal. As he said, “It has been a wonderful experience to compete in the Olympic Games and to bring home a gold medal. But since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals.”

Grace-Giving and Immediate Blessing

One of the clearest New Testament expressions of God’s provision appears in the context of giving. The Father does not merely provide for personal survival; He provides so that His people may be channels of generosity.

2 Corinthians 9:9-13:

“As the Scriptures say, ‘They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.’ For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving: the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.”

The image is practical and beautiful. God gives seed to the sower and bread for food. He provides what sustains life and what can be sown for future fruitfulness. In the same way, He enriches His people so that they may give generously. Their giving meets genuine needs, strengthens the community of faith, and leads others to thank God.

The child of the King who gives by grace can trust that fruit will come. Yet the blessings are not only future; they are also present. As Wiersbe notes, one immediate blessing is a fuller participation in the abundance of the Father’s grace. 2 Corinthians 9:8 is especially powerful in its emphasis on all grace, all sufficiency, and every good work. The emphasis is not on material excess, but on steady provision.   

Living for His Pleasure

The contrast between Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell gives Chariots of Fire much of its emotional and spiritual depth. Abrahams is driven by anxiety and by an intense need to establish his worth through achievement. For him, victory becomes a means of securing identity and gaining the affirmation he longs for. Liddell, however, lives from an altogether different center. His life is grounded in faith, and his running is not an attempt to earn significance, but an expression of obedience to his Creator. While Abrahams seeks validation through winning, Liddell runs from gratitude, conviction, and a settled identity in God.

This contrast points to a larger truth: the Father made us for Himself, equips us to do His will, and provides what we need to fulfill His purposes. Fulfillment does not come from striving to prove our value, but from embracing the purpose for which we were created. 

The apostle Paul reminds us that, as children of the King, we are called to honor God in our lives, produce spiritual fruit by doing good, and constantly seek to deepen our understanding of Him. Colossians 1:10: “The way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.”

Eric Liddell’s life exemplifies this truth vividly. He ran with power because he trusted that this strength was given to him for a purpose. He experienced the Father’s pleasure by using his abilities to honor the One who gave them.

The same principle applies to every child of the King. Our deepest satisfaction is found not in asking God to advance our ambitions, but in discerning the work He has appointed for us and surrendering ourselves to it. When we live for His pleasure, we come to experience His pleasure in a profound and unmistakable way.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

© Dr. H 2026

Protected: We Can Only Receive What God Gives

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I’m A Loser Who Has Been Found         

I’m A Loser Who Has Been Found         

The Son of Man has come to seek and save what was lost. – Luke 19:10

Luke 15:4-6

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it?

And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.

When he arrives, he will call his friends and neighbors together, saying, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.”

I’m A Loser

A woman in her thirties is described as walking around with a lanyard around her neck, holding her phone, and a small sign reading, “I’m a loser.” Though it sounds dramatic, her intent was practical; she used the lanyard to prevent misplacing her phone. Many of us are only a few lost items away from sadly wearing the same sign.

Almost everyone recognizes this scenario: keys vanish just minutes before it is time to leave. Wallets disappear into mysterious household black holes. Phones somehow hide in plain sight while actively playing music from the room we’ve already searched. Credit cards find their way into obscure pockets, hats mysteriously relocate, coats are left behind, and important papers seem to vanish exactly when we need them most. This is a small but frequent frustration of daily life: we are smart enough to use advanced technology, yet we can still lose the very devices that help us find everything else.

Modern Tracking and a Greater Reality

Thankfully, modern life offers practical solutions for our forgetfulness. Tracking devices, phone alerts, and location apps now make it much easier to find misplaced belongings, sparing us the usual frantic searching and retracing of steps.

Yet this everyday frustration points to something deeper. Our tendency to lose things reflects a broader human tendency to lose focus, direction, priorities, and peace. What begins as a humorous observation can also reveal a spiritual truth.

Devices such as AirTags and Tile trackers assist in recovering lost items by transmitting signals to phones, tablets, and other connected devices. This raises a timeless question of eternal consequence: How does the Father find His lost sheep?

Known and Remembered by the Father

From eternity, the Father has fully known His people and loved them with personal, unwavering devotion. His care is neither distant nor general. It is intimate, constant, and covenantal.

Isaiah 49:16: “See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.”

This vivid language is an anthropomorphism, “a figure of speech that describes God in human terms in order to reveal His character and relationship to His people.” The verse does not suggest that God literally possesses human hands. Rather, it communicates His constant remembrance, personal care, and covenant faithfulness.

The image is especially powerful because it portrays the Father as one who never loses sight of His people. They are not peripheral to His attention. They remain continually before Him, fully known and unfailingly remembered.

Tattoos in Ancient Culture

Tattooing and other body inscriptions were common in many ancient cultures such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, Thrace, Scythia, Greece, Rome, and the Levant. These markings served various purposes like religious devotion, social identity, status, ownership, and loyalty. Due to the diversity of practices, tattooing did not have a single, fixed meaning in antiquity.

Today, people often tattoo themselves with the names or symbols of loved ones. In Isaiah’s time, servants sometimes marked their hands with their masters’ names as a sign of allegiance. What makes Isaiah’s imagery powerful is that it’s the master, not the servant, who inscribes the name.

In this context, the Lord’s declaration is remarkable. The Father, the King of kings and Lord of lords, portrays Himself as having inscribed those He loves on His hands. This imagery stands in sharp contrast to normal social customs and draws attention to His love, attentiveness, and unwavering commitment.

In Isaiah 49:16, the Father declares, “See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands.” The imagery becomes a profound declaration of divine remembrance, covenant love, and unbreakable commitment.

A Lasting Assurance

This image provides deep comfort. The Father knows His people intimately and remembers them flawlessly; it is though He has permanently engraved their names on His hands. They are never overlooked, never abandoned, and never lost to Him. 

The Hebrew word translated as “inscribed” is chaqaq. It means “to inscribe,” “to carve,” “to engrave,” or “to chisel.” The word conveys “permanence, intention, and depth.” It does not describe something casually written or easily erased, but something fixed and enduring. When applied to this passage, chaqaq expresses far more than memory. It presents a vivid picture of “deliberate, lasting devotion.” The Father’s love is “steadfast, personal, and unshakable.”

Lost Sheep and the Good Shepherd

People are born into this world lost and vulnerable, like wandering sheep. The Good Shepherd seeks His own, calling them by name and leading them safely to Him. In the first century, shepherds often developed a unique call that their own sheep learned to recognize. The sheep would respond to their shepherd’s voice, ignoring others. Sometimes, multiple flocks were kept together in a common pen. Yet, when the shepherd returned, he didn’t need to sort through each animal; he simply called, and his sheep responded and came to him.

John 10:2-5:

“The one who enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and they follow him because they know his voice. They won’t follow a stranger; they will run from him because they don’t know his voice.”

This background gives deeper meaning to one of the most beautiful promises spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ.

John 10:27-29:

“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish.

No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.”

The Shepherd’s Call

What is the Shepherd’s call? Could it be that it is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ? When His sheep hear it, it does more than just inform; they feel it in their hearts, their souls awaken, and they get drawn closer to Him. His call is powerful because it’s personal. Those who belong to Him recognize His voice, respond with faith, and are granted eternal life. This truth is a great comfort. Jesus does not stop searching until he finds all those who belong to Him. Because of the Father’s love, He keeps pursuing them until He finds them and safely brings them under His care.

REFLECT & PRAY

The Father and the Son continue searching for their own until they are found.

Father, I confess that I was once completely lost, a sheep without direction and without hope. Yet in mercy, I heard Your voice and came to You. Even now, I still wander in heart and mind, but You remain faithful. You come after me, lift me in Your care, and bring me back.

INSIGHT

Our Need for the Shepherd

Sheep are frequently a metaphor for those who are weak, vulnerable, and dependent. Whatever may be said about the common caricatures of their lack of sense, the biblical point is unmistakable: sheep need a shepherd. Left to themselves, they wander and are unable to secure their own safety. They require guidance, protection, provision, and rescue.

The same is true of us. Even after coming to the Good Shepherd and receiving eternal life, we still carry a tendency to drift. Our hearts can be unstable, easily distracted, and prone to wander from the God we love. Robert Robinson captured that struggle memorably in the hymn “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”:

O to grace how great a debtor daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace now, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart; O take and seal it; seal it for thy courts above.

Isaiah 53:6: “All of us had wandered off like sheep; each of us had strayed off on his own path.”

Since this tendency persists, we constantly need a shepherd to care for, guard, and guide us back when we stray. The Lord is that Shepherd. We can trust that when we drift away, He does not ignore us. Instead, He seeks us out, and upon finding us, He rejoices.

Luke 15:6: “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!”

Every time the Father brings us back, He offers a new beginning. He not only restores us but also helps us grow. He encourages us to move past our previous struggles and invites us into a renewed, deeper relationship with Him, leading us to change and new ways of living.

A deeper sense of homecoming awaits us. Many believe that the greatest part of any journey isn’t merely the destinations, but the joy of returning home. Home represents belonging, safety, and rest. For the children of the King, heaven is this eternal home. Although we have not seen it yet, we trust that it is prepared for us. It is a place filled with joy, delight, security, and peace. Ultimately, we will reside there forever with our Shepherd King.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

© Dr. H 2026

When Absolutes Collide

When Absolutes Collide

Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God; the LORD is one. And you must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. – Deuteronomy 6:4-6

John 7:22-23

But you work on the Sabbath, too, when you obey Moses’ law of circumcision. (Actually, this tradition of circumcision began with the patriarchs, long before the law of Moses.) For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses.

What Is Absolute Truth?

Absolute truth refers to a truth that is fixed, universal, and unalterable. It remains true across all times, locations, and situations, regardless of people’s thoughts, feelings, or beliefs. Such truths are unaffected by opinions, cultural differences, or circumstances.

Biblically speaking, absolute truth is the truth that comes from God and reflects His unchanging nature. What God declares to be right remains right, and what He declares to be wrong remains wrong, regardless of human opinion. Relative truth varies with circumstances, experiences, cultural beliefs, or personal preferences.  

Absolute Truth in Action: Fixed Realities

The moral law reflects the Father’s unchanging nature and reveals His character in a clear, authoritative manner. It delineates what is good and evil, right and wrong, holy and sinful. What is righteous in God’s eyes does not become unrighteous over time, and what He condemns does not become acceptable just because a culture accepts it. Although human societies may try to redefine morality, they cannot change the truth established by God.

God is a sovereign King with the Scriptures as His ultimate authority in His realm. His reign is independent of circumstances or external approval. He does not lead by popular vote, public opinion, or societal customs. Instead, He governs through divine right, wisdom, and holiness. Consequently, His commands are not optional suggestions, and His standards re not optional; they are the authoritative expression of His righteous will.

When Absolutes Collide: The Hierarchy of Absolutes

Sometimes, two absolute principles clash. In these cases, decisions should adhere to a hierarchy of absolutes, with higher principles taking precedence over lower ones to uphold the most crucial rule.

An illustrative example of conflicting absolutes is the relationship between Sabbath observance and circumcision on the eighth day. According to the law of Moses, the Sabbath was designated as a holy day of rest. Exodus 20:10 states, “The seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. No work is to be performed on the Sabbath.”

However, God commanded that circumcision take place on the eighth day after a male child’s birth. Leviticus 12:3 says, “On the eighth day the boy’s foreskin must be circumcised.” This raises an important question: what should be done when two absolutes collide and the eighth day falls on the Sabbath?

Jesus addresses this directly in John 7:23: “For if the correct time for circumcising your son falls on the Sabbath, you go ahead and do it so as not to break the law of Moses.” His response shows that, in certain circumstances, one divine command takes precedence over another without canceling or diminishing either.

This example demonstrates the need for wisdom and discernment in moral and spiritual decision-making. Although all of God’s commands are important, certain circumstances require recognizing that some carry greater priority in determining the proper course of action.

Mutual Submission and Absolute Truth

Absolute truth influences not only doctrine and morality but also our interactions. On a daily basis, believers are confronted with situations that require placing unity and love ahead of personal preferences. As children of the King, we must learn and practice humble deference.

Paul expresses this clearly in Philippians 2:3: “Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.”

This kind of mutual submission fosters harmony, deepens relationships, and reflects the character of Christ.

REFLECT & PRAY

Pause for a moment and reflect on whether your personal preferences or cultural traditions have blurred your understanding of God’s absolute truth. Are you open to setting aside human standards that could hinder your relationship with the Father and others? Does your life embody mutual submission, guided by humility and love?

Father, help me discern the difference between Your truth and my personal preferences. Teach me to honor Your commandments, walk in humility, and live in peace with others as I reflect Your grace in all I do.

INSIGHT

Absolute Truth vs. Personal Standards and Traditions

Absolute truth is constant and unchanging. In contrast, personal standards, preferences, and man-made traditions are completely subjective, varying among individuals, families, ethnic groups, and communities.  While everyone is entitled to their own preferences and practices, no one is entitled to their own version of truth. In Matthew 15:3: “And why do you, by your traditions, violate the direct commandments of God?”

He speaks even more forcefully in Mark 7:6-9:

“You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.’ For you ignore God’s law and substitute your own tradition.” Then he said, “You skillfully sidestep God’s law in order to hold on to your own tradition.”

These words emphasize the main issue: people often elevate personal standards and inherited traditions to almost divine status. When this happens, it distorts the truth and damages relationships with God and others.

The Problem with Personal Standards

Personal standards are individual preferences, things we like, dislike, allow, or avoid. They may involve small matters, such as room temperature or food preparation, or broader lifestyle choices. Although these standards may be meaningful to us, they are not universal truths and should not be considered as absolutes.

When personal preferences are elevated to the level of God’s commands, they create unnecessary burdens and can lead to misunderstanding, conflict, and condemnation. The issue occurs when we believe others should share our values just because we do.  

The Solution: The Golden Rule and Mutual Submission

The solution combines practicality with biblical principles: we ought to give others the same freedom we desire for ourselves. Mutual respect is vital to healthy relationships, and the Bible encourages believers to practice it.

Paul says in Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”

Mutual submission doesn’t imply dominance by one person or total surrender by another. The aim is understanding, cooperation, and love, reflecting Christ’s heart, who invites His followers to walk humbly and graciously. It requires reciprocity, careful listening, and a willingness to value unity over personal triumph. Such a posture reflects the heart of Christ, who calls His followers to walk with humility and grace

A Practical Extension: The Serenity Prayer

This principle is echoed in the well-known Serenity Prayer, which offers a wise framework for discernment. It reminds us that some matters call for courage and conviction, while others require acceptance, flexibility, and peace.

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

This perspective helps us distinguish between unchanging absolute truths that must be upheld and personal preferences that may be relinquished to preserve unity.

Truth, Preferences, and Relational Harmony

Absolute truth is unchanging and universal. It helps us understand reality and offers a dependable standard that does not shift with time, culture, or opinion. By contrast, personal preferences and traditions are subjective and often shaped by experience, upbringing, and social context.

The hierarchy of absolutes helps us focus on what is most important. Core values such as love, compassion, truth, and unity must take precedence over lesser concerns. As we align our lives with God’s unchanging truth and practice mutual respect, we become better equipped to navigate conflict with wisdom and grace.

In this way, we reflect God’s eternal nature in everyday life. We honor the truth of His Word and the dignity of others.

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© Dr. H 2026