A Time for Distinction

Write From My Heart / January 2, 2021 / A Time for Distinction

Malachi 3:16-18 (NIV) Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

            The word distinction refers to having a notable worthiness such as in the case of He was a man of great distinction. The more common usage is simply one thing being different from something else. It occurs to me that as Christians, we may have a greater opportunity this year to make a distinction “between those who serve God and those who do not.” Now I fully understand that we are commanded to live peacefully among others, (see Romans 12:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:13, and Hebrews 12:14 as just a few reminders), but my heart tells me the time for fading into the background and camouflaging our Christianity is definitely over. Christians of all faiths need to unite in our faith of One God, encouraging one another to remain steadfast and true to our basic Christian principles—creating a clear distinction between followers of Christ and those who follow the world and its principles.

            Even as I write this, I am thinking to myself, Okay, that’s a great goal but exactly how can we accomplish this and still remain peaceful? Perhaps the answer lies in both fear and commitment. I’m talking first of all about a righteous fear of the LORD and who he is—the kind of fear that let’s you know he means what he says and if he says he will destroy the wicked, he means just that! You have a choice to believe and follow, or the choice not to follow and receive the consequence of final destruction. I’m not sure about you, but that places a righteous fear in my heart to make sure I am continually choosing to follow the LORD God Almighty. He’s not messing around and I best not either!

            Another distinction I notice in the Malachi passage is commitment. A scroll of remembrance was written—physically, tangibly written. Think of how many forms you fill out for insurance, medical, license for driving, or travel. Think of what it takes to participate in social media, shopping, or other online activities, services, etc. We seem to have no problem filling out requests “to set up your account” for this, that, or the other. What about our commitment to God? What is it that holds us fast and true to our resolve to follow him? Perhaps the answer is as simple as the Bible—God’s Word. That’s a very tangible, physical contract between us and our Heavenly Father. Perhaps it’s time to take it off the shelf, dust it off, and use it.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Our choice to follow you should be evident to all around us in a way that draws them to you rather than to ourselves. Forgive us when we are weak and shrink in the times of adversity. Grant that we might be boldly steadfast in living a Christian example for others to follow.

            In the name of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen.