There are two types of people in this world: those who believe and those who don't. There are lovers and haters, those filled with good and evil. We are like laundry that will get sorted. Get Ready!  

   In the bible there are those who believe in the truth of God's word and those who don't. They are called sheep and goats. The sheep know the Master's voice and follow his lead, but the goats are independent, and are in tune to the voice of Satan. We know them by the manifestation of their spirits. There are good and evil spirits among us. The bible says we know them by the fruit which they bear. The goat doesn’t care or consider how their behavior impacts others. But the sheep, on the other hand, are submissive, obedient, and depend upon the leading and guiding of their Shepherd. The sheep are caring and humble, seeking the best for other people, having witnessed the positive actions of the shepherd.  

   Matthew's gospel relays the message of separating the sheep and goats, the righteous and the unrighteous. Jesus told the parable of the preparedness of the ten virgins. Five virgins had oil in their lamps and were prepared, while the other five made no such preparation, and their oil ran out.   Then there are lessons about being good stewards. Five men were given an assignment, and each one fulfilled the assignment according to his ability, except for one. He was slothful in carrying out his assignment and believed the master would reap benefits he did not deserve.  

   Verses 31-46 addresses attitudes of the pretenders/nonbelievers versus those of the believer. The believers have a heart for the kingdom. They manifest their beliefs by doing good deeds for their fellow man. They share their wealth; they feed the hungry, minister to the lost, and pray for the sick. The pretenders do no good deeds. They do not possess a heart for other people. They are self-centered narcissists who only care for themselves. Other people's issues are of no concern to them.   What the pretenders do not understand is that only what you do for Christ is important and will have lasting effects.

   What we do in the name of Jesus glorifies him, not us. How we treat other people is important, for we may be interacting with angels unaware. The least we do for people is the least we offer to God. There is coming a time of separation. The good will gain eternal life, but the pretenders will suffer eternal damnation. Don't get caught with idle time, and neglect to serve one another. Do not lie about your service, giving, use of time or talents. God knows all. 

   We must be spiritually prepared for the next chapter in our lives. We cannot fulfill our assignment if we are empty vessels. 

From the CMC Blog Team

Ministries
Christian Memorial Church Ministries