Text: John 6:26-28
By: Bro. Jude Obomedaire
Introduction
It is only an insane (mad) man that walks without a purpose, destination, he has no definite course for his movement but every normal human being has a reason for his action and inaction. We all go to work and do our business because we have something to benefit. We sometimes find ourselves in some places because of one reason or the other. Today, we all are here in Grey congregation as a member of Church of Christ. The question is “Why are you here?” This question we must answer within our heart, ask yourself why am I truly here? The worst thing you can do to yourself is lie to yourself.
So many of us gave our lives to God or choose to follow Christ because of one wrong reason or the other. During the days of Jesus, He discovered that 5,000 people were following Him but for the wrong reasons. They are always in His presence but for the wrong reasons. In Vs. 26 It was revealed that these 5,000 people were following Christ because of what they stand to benefit. They knew that as long as they follow Christ, He will always provide food for them. Some of us are here today because of same reason, some of us have come to worship Him because we need one favour or the other, and some of us are following Christ because of some benefits. Christ told them “seek the word of God genuinely not because of what we stand to benefit”. In Dan. 3:16-20. The men were ready to still worship God even if what you seek is not found.
Some of us are here today:
- Because of our Parents/Ministers: some of us are following Christ because our parents, Minister influence or compelled us to. Some are here if not our fees will not be paid etc.
- Some of us see God as Santa Claus (Father Christmas) Luke 12:15: some of us are following God today because we believe that God can grant our heart desire, some are scared like Job of losing what they already have but when things go the opposite direction like Job, you see them backsliding, this is because they seek God for material reasons – “Will you still be here if God takes away your comfort”?
- Some of us are here because of marriage: some brethren were baptized just to save their marriage, or get married to a brother. God does not like conditional service, your worshipping God should come from your heart. This is why we hear funny statement “that your boring church” it is no longer your church. When the wife or husband travels, you will not find them in church.
- Some of us see God as only problem solver: Some of us are following Christ today because we have one health, financial, spiritual, etc. challenges. We become very active, you see them in all the activities and immediately the problem is solved, they go back to their old way. You see them opening their shops when there are church activities.
- Some of us are here because where we were was not good: My brothers/sisters here is the worst, sooner or later you will still see one challenge or the other. Every congregation have one fault or the other. We should seek him not because we want to just entertain ourselves but to genuinely seek Him.
CONCLUSION
We should have the attitude of Shedrack, Meshack and Abednego, they were ready to worship God even though what they desire was not given to them and for those of us that fall under these categories above, following Christ like the 5,000 people should repent and genuinely seek God. You should have your own stand and not for a particular reason. God wants you to seek Him for who He is and not what you stand to gain. Let God still be God no matter what. Why am I here? That is the question you must answer genuinely in order to have a good and lasting relationship with God.
May God bless His words in our heart in Christ name. Amen