Once-and-for-all

During the terrible winter at Valley Forge, a government official arrived on the scene to obtain a firsthand report on the actual field situation from General George Washington himself. After Washington had dutifully received him, the government man immediately began complimenting him on his ability to hold the Army together under such terribly trying circumstances, “General Washington, you are a great leader, a great man, an inspiration to us all,” the man said. Whereupon, General Washington, standing in the midst of his suffering troops, broke in impatiently, saying, “Never mind all that. Just tell me where you stand in relation to the cause I represent.”

We are like that man. We arrive here on the Christ scene each Sunday praising the Lord and acknowledging His greatness. But each Sunday, if we are really listening, we can hear Him say to us, “Never mind all that. Just tell me where you stand in relation to the Cause I represent.”

It comes down finally to…