Many Christians, including people in our church, feel that their spiritual life is incomplete; and they ask themselves, "What do I still lack?" The same question was asked Jesus by a contemporary. This man met Jesus, spoke with Him, and then left him, missing the chance to inherit eternal life. This man told Jesus all the positive aspects of his life, that he didn't kill or live an immoral life or steal; he loved his parents and his neighbors. "All these things have I kept from my youth up," he said. "What lack I yet?" Matthew 19:20.
Despite all this, Jesus did not tell him that he was redeemed, that he was perfect. Why? Because it is written that no one is perfect before God through the acts of the law. Romans 3:20. Jesus recommended that the young man renounce earthly values and become His follower. Verse 21.
"What do I still lack?" Let us ask ourselves this same question. Sometimes people draw conclusions that they lack nothing, or they say, as did the Pharisee in Jesus' parable: "God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men,… or even as this publican." Luke 18:11. Without doubt, we are lacking something, and we ask ourselves, "What?" Some people who possess material things and are religious go to church, read the Bible, and keep the commandments; nevertheless, they feel that something is missing.
What is missing for many people? What is missing from the life of many families? What is missing for many Christians in our day? It is painful to see that three things are frequently missing.
The first thing is the full knowledge of God. Everlasting life depends on knowing God, because our Redeemer said: "And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent." John 17:3. There are Christians who, although they are in the church, do not know God. The same thing happened with the sons of Eli. 1 Samuel 2:12-17. Even though they were priests, they had no consideration for God's gift.
The apostle Paul said about this: "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny Him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." Titus 1:16. We need to remember the advice King David gave his son Solomon: "And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father,…" 1 Chronicles 28:9. "But how?" some ask. If we wish this with all our heart, we will find it. "If thou seek Him, He will be found of thee;…" it says in the last part of verse 9.
The second thing which is missing is the full knowledge of the horror of sin. Sin is a suffering, a shame, a burden which oppresses the human being. Both sin and guilt affect all people, as affirmed by the apostle Paul in Romans 3:23: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Yes, sin keeps man from being happy and from having peace in his soul. Sin ruins families and nations. Are we aware of how horrible sin is? A soul who is enlightened by the Holy Spirit knows what a terrible thing sin is; and he then goes to God in repentance and receives forgiveness, cleansing, and eternal life. It is possible that someone is lacking such knowledge of sin and is, therefore, playing with it. But Isaiah makes it clear what we should do. "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7.
The third thing is the feeling of responsibility for others. We have a responsibility, a duty, to our neighbors, which can be fulfilled by love-based acts. "He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will He pay him again." Proverbs 19:17.
But who takes care of the needs of people's souls? Many times we shirk our responsibility and say as did Cain, "Am I my brother's keeper?" Genesis 4:9. We know that God takes care of souls. But do we care for the souls who are perishing without redemption?
What do we still lack? It may be these three things. Let us humble ourselves before God and say: "God, You know all things; You know what I lack." Let's ask Him to forgive our indifference and ignorance and help us to grow spiritually for His glory. With faith in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, let's ask God to intervene to save us--to grant us eternal life.
--Geanina Bistriceanu, Rumani
