One group of people that Jesus said would be cast into outer darkness is those of the kingdom.
In the Bible, Matthew 8:12, Jesus had honored a soldier's request to heal a servant. The centurion, who said he believed Jesus' word would be done, had faith that amazed Jesus.
Then Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
Many theologians believe Jesus was referring to the eventual rejection he would experience by the very people of the kingdom, his Jewish nation, but I propose that this goes further.
Many people in our churches — Christ's kingdom — do not accept Jesus' life-giving changes due to ignorance or rebellion. They are hearers of the Word, but not doers. James 1:22 adds that those who hear only and do not do the works of righteousness deceive only themselves.
Friend, we not only need to be Christ-like on Sunday, but in all times and all seasons. It is time to quit playing church and start developing a relationship with God.
Let him change you — for eternity.
The Rev. Richard Helms serves at Miracle Acres Ministries, 3187 E. James Lee Blvd., in Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: HELMS: Be a 'doer,' not a 'hearer'