Leave No Doubt
In the movie Remember the Titans, there was a pivotal scene in which the defensive coach took a stand for that which was right, and in doing so he instructed his players to “leave no doubt.” In essence he was telling his players to distinguish, differentiate and delineate themselves from their opponent so much so that everyone would have clarity and certainty of who the better team was.
In like fashion, Apostle Peter wants to ensure a clear distinction between those who are truly the called and chosen of God versus those who are possibly counterfeit Christians. Paul declares, “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” – 2 Peter 1:5-8,10 (ESV).
When we strive to make our calling and election sure, we are then demonstrating to ourselves and to all the onlookers that we are on the Lord’s team. When we endeavor to make our calling and election sure we are “leaving no doubt;” all our energies and efforts are expelled on the battlefield of life in order to obtain the win for Jesus.
When we strive to make our calling and election sure, we do not leave a question as to our love or fidelity to Jehovah God, our Father. In contrast, when your calling and election isn’t sure it could look like the ancient king of Babylon, King Nebuchadrezzar, who offered much lip service but little evidence of a genuine heart transformation. For instance, the king said, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery” – Daniel 2:47 (NIV).
In addition, King Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way” – Daniel 3:28-29 (NIV).
Finally, the king makes one last confession after experiencing a judgment of God. “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble” – Daniel 4:37 (NIV). Although King Nebuchadnezzar recognized, honored, and even praised The God of Israel, it is still uncertain as to King Nebuchadnezzar’s conversion and commitment to Jehovah God. Nothing else is heard of from King Nebuchadnezzar in our Bible, as he fades off the scene while leaving Daniel and all of Israel in captivity under the Babylonian Rule. Therefore, I implore you to “leave no doubt” by not only professing with your mouth but practicing with your deeds.
