False Christians will be Exposed

“On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’”Matthew 7:22-23 ESV

In a story published by the Kansas City Star yesterday, it was reported that a 27-year-old man known for his warm, inviting smile died during a half-marathon race in Minnesota, his family said. An obituary for Blake Groulx says he died Sept. 8 of cardiac issues while in the final stretch of the City of Lakes Half Marathon in Minneapolis. Madison Styrlund told The Minnesota Star-Tribune she and others gave CPR to Groulx about 11 miles into the 13.1-mile race. She first noticed Groulx was stumbling on the course before he eventually “went face-down into the curb.” Dr. Katherine Katzung, an emergency room doctor who was also running, assisted in aiding Groulx. “We were trying to give him the best chance of survival,” Katzung told the Star-Tribune. “He looked like a fit person, not somebody you would think this would happen to.” 

And, you know, as sad as this story is, it serves as a reminder that people aren’t always as they appear. Especially when it comes to loving Christ. You see, many people in our world claim to follow Jesus and even appear to do so by the way they live their lives. These are people who look like Christians and who might even do “mighty works” in the name of Jesus. They’re people you assume will be admitted entrance into heaven for their faith. But on judgement day, many of these people, whose hearts are far from God despite all appearances, will hear the words “I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.”

So be sure that your heart matches your actions my friend so you won’t hear the words, “depart from me.” You might think this is something that will never happen to you. But if you’ve never truly accepted Jesus as your Savior, this is exactly what will happen. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that false disciples will be exposed on judgement day. Lord, help us to check our hearts today and if we’re just going through the motions of Christianity without a relationship with you, please convict us to repent and be reconciled to You. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!