“Must” Is Not an Option
April 15, 2007
Scientists were testing a new windshield for a subway train. It had to withstand a great amount of force in order to pass safety standards. A dummy was set at the controls. A cannon loaded with a dead chicken was aimed at the windshield. They were conducting the tests according to the specifications. However, every time the cannon fired the chicken would go crashing right through the windshield and destroy the test dummy. In frustration, they sent word back to the institute that had designed the test to find the problem. The answer came back quick and to the point: “First, you MUST thaw the chicken. Next, you may fire it at the subway windshield.”
The word “must” is a term we all use to show that a certain thing is essential or a necessity or a requirement. The word “must” is the opposite of that which is optional. There are many other things which God tells us we all must do if we desire to enter Heaven. Let us note just a few of these necessary actions and attitudes which we must all possess.We Must Believe in God
Faith is God is not optional. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). Faith, as it is used in this passage, is more than just a mere mental assent to God’s existence. After all, who would come to God diligently seeking Him for a reward if they did not first believe He existed? The belief one must have is a trust in God as a true and faithful Keeper of His promises to us. We do not seek Him out of blind or empty hope. We seek Him because we truly believe He is True and Faithful.You Must Be Born Again
One night a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin came to see Jesus. Nicodemus wanted to know about entrance into the coming Kingdom. Jesus answered him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, `You must be born again'” (John 3:5_7). Being born of water is being baptized. We come forth from the water a new creature in Christ. Baptism is not an option for being born again. According to Jesus, it is impossible to be born again into His kingdom and then get baptized. Being born again is required or essential to entrance into the Kingdom of Light. Baptism is the means by which one is born again.We Must Through Many Tribulations Enter The Kingdom Of God
Paul and Barnabas revisited various cities where they had made converts and “strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God’” (Acts 14:22). Suffering persecution and trials in God’s Kingdom is not an option. Christ suffered on earth. “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3). In the next chapter Paul wrote, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Notice, Paul did not say that we “might suffer persecution,” but that we “will suffer persecution.”Must Be Loving and Forgiving
As a Christian in God’s Kingdom, not only will we suffer tribulation, but we also must be forgiving of others. “Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” (Col. 3:13). Furthermore, we must be loving of our brothers in Christ. “And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:21). As in any family, there will be disagreements and fights. If the family is to remain whole and healthy, various members will need to forgive. Remember, it is okay to collect postage stamps, or collect coins, if you wish, but don't collect grudges.
We Must Give as Prospered
When the collection plate is passed around, is it okay to just opt out of giving? What does the Bible say? “Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given orders to the churches of Galatia, so you must do also: On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside, storing up as he may prosper, that there be no collections when I come” (1 Cor. 16:1,2). Did you catch the word “must”? Giving is not an option, but a requirement for everyone who has been prospered by God this past week.For We Must All Appear Before The Judgment Seat Of Christ
After this life is over and the Lord returns, there will be a Day of Judgment. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). No exceptions will be made. No excuses will be given. Everyone will be there.“And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).
Several years ago, someone suggested that the qualifications of an elder are optional. They felt we should treat this detailed, specific list of qualifications as mere guidelines. Yet Paul said, “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach...” (1 Tim. 3:2). Surely, Paul would not have used the term “must” if it is merely optional for such a leader in the church to be temperate, of good behavior, married, hospitable, etc. I think we all must agree that “must” is not an option. When God tells us that we must do something, we had better sit up and take notice. Have you complied to those things you must do in order to be pleasing to God when you must stand before Him and give account?
– Daniel R. Vess