Many seek Christ, but few find Him, and why do they not find Him? Because their minds are so thick with the teachings of men, and the hearts so set in the ways of the world, and devoted to their organizations that they do not understand this most important principle –
That faith in Christ becomes by grace. Favor with God cannot be obtained nor enjoyed except by truly being Christ disciple; loving His sheep more than self, holding precious His truth, and able to hear His voice.
That the Holy Spirit will testify of Him is sure, but when we confine our search within a certain set of doctrines and traditions or help divide God’s children by placing our loyalty onto some institution or religion, or pursue faith with the least desire for worldly acclaim; behold, the heavens cease to commune with us, and the whispering guidance of the Holy Spirit fades. and when it disappears; amen to the testimony and faith of that man.
Before he knows it, he has left to himself: his darken thoughts, unenlightened guidance, and impotent prayers.
We have learned from quiet observation that it is the inclination and tendency of almost all men, that when they learn a little about their Lord, or so they believe, they will immediately assume they know him well. With little or no evidence to support their conclusion; they attribute to themselves great faith and wisdom. So it is that there are many who seek Christ, but few find Him.
No religion, calling, authority, priesthood, rite, or particular doctrine can bring a man closer to the Lord than the propensities of his heart will allow. No real understanding or clear perception of our divine Lord can or ought to be obtained either through man’s efforts or his religions. But we may prepare him room and a proper altar through truly seeking righteousness, raising our ethics, forgiving all error, having lasting humility which invites God’s grace, rejoicing always in the Lord’s word, and being ever grateful for His gifts and patience.
No religion holds a monopoly on the body of Christ, which is His church, his true disciples. Only Jesus can determine its membership. But to participate in and support a religion is fine, for many do well as far as they teach discipleship in Christ.
But religions, however inspired or defined their origins, are institutions of men, who by their very nature and disposition deny, to some degree and in some way, truth and light; and therefore Christ. This is why faith in Christ can never be religious loyalty. These societies do serve a vital function, providing an environment for teaching doctrines of salvation and getting us focused on Christ. But faith is mutual trust between a man and God. Organizations of men, with their self-interest and requirements of service and devotion, often distract from, and at times, even block developing faith in Christ.
Our Lord comes as one walking through the forest, over the fields and streams of life, not following the paths and paved roads of men. He has his own ways and destinations. Sometimes we may catch a glimpse of Him not knowing it first what we see. He only draws near as we value these moments of grace and truth. If we lay them aside as having little worth or regard them with the least prejudice because of doctrine or men, we invite our Lord to move on.
There is no religion, cult, or movement without the kind of attention of our father. No man lives untouched by the Holy Spirit. Let’s join our Savior in blessing the lives of those we touch, discovering the Christ in them, allowing Jesus to be one with us.
May our search for meaning be always unfettered, our pursuit of faith be solely in Christ, our loyalty only in righteousness and truth, our forgiveness ever-increasing and our only goal: God. Treasure the pearls of heaven cherish all that God does. Nurture the Gifts of the Spirit and enfold into our souls every good thing.
Then shall the angels above draw near and the deceptions from below lose all hold on us. The spirits of light will seek us and the face of our Lord will not be hid from us. Vested with garments of righteousness, the fear of God will become the love of God and His commandments; His certainty. Increasing the borders of our understanding; His reassurance will no longer threaten us. With our testimony stake firmly planted; our peace will grow until nothing on earth can disturb it. Our faith will bring miracles, our hope: joy, and our love: unity. Trouble will shortly past as the night dark dream dissolves in the morning’s bright light. We will walk as walked the Savior, upon the water and into the hearts of men.