Close, But Not Completely
‘Close enough’ is a concept that is acceptable in much of life, especially when the standard is flexible. Sometimes this phrase is used so one can do just enough to get by, such as “close enough for government work”. Used in this way, it is “an idiom that means something is satisfactory or good enough for a particular purpose, even if it’s not perfect” (Wikipedia). Sadly, many today approach religion with this same lackadaisical attitude. Many are ‘satisfied’ with what ‘they think’ to be right. Is it “close enough” to do what we think? What about what God has written and directed in His Word? When God has “Commanded” something, it is the directive from the Highest Authority. We are directed to do “exactly” as God Commands. We will do what He Commands if we love Him.
Is ‘close enough’ what God desires? Is He pleased with “close enough”? Maybe we should consider this as we contemplate obedience to God. Perhaps this is why we have the record of Naaman, the leper of 2Kings. His attitude was that things would be as he envisioned them. He said “behold I thought” as the situation did not unfold as he pictured it. He expected a miracle and a quick resolution to his disease without him doing something to receive healing. Isn’t this like many “religious” folk today? They expect God to do it all, while they stay “close, but not completely” obedient to God. Is not partial obedience in fact, disobedience?
Naaman was not a Jew, therefore not ‘of the people of God’. Yet, because of the counsel of a young Jewish maiden, a captive in servitude to the wife of Naaman, he was given a chance to be healed of leprosy. When told what ‘to do’, Naaman offered alternatives. In 2Kings 5:11, he offered the rivers of Damascus, much cleaner than the Jordon as a better place to wash. Was he “close enough” when he rendered partial obedience? We know Naaman was not healed until he ‘completely’ obeyed. Is one ever “close enough” with partial obedience today?
All of the seven churches in Asia to which the Revelation was written, were reminded of “things which must shortly come to pass”, speaking of the fall of Jerusalem and its impact on the church for which Christ died. While some of the congregations were commended for the “good things” they did, six were also told what was lacking. The church in Ephesus had “left thy first love”. The congregation which met in Smyrna were warned of the blasphemy of some. The brethren in Pergamos, sadly, had some that embraced the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. The saints that met in Thyatira were influenced by evil to participate in fornication and idol worship. The church in Sardis had some that enjoyed the reputation of being alive but were spiritually deceased. Of course, we remember the church in Laodicea. They were the ones that were ‘lukewarm’ and therefore their actions were despicable to the Lord. Nothing negative was directed toward the church in Philadelphia.
If ‘close enough’ was acceptable, why were six of the seven churches of the Revelation tasked with repentance? Why were some told to “hold fast” to the good and proper things, and why were all seven told to “hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches”? What the Spirit “sayeth” to the churches (congregations of the Lord’s church there), and what the Spirit has delivered through inspiration, is God’s exact declaration of what He expects. He did not make any of the congregations comply. God does not force or coerce any into obedience, but has given all the choice and the opportunity to do as God Commands in His Word.
The church at Corinth, the congregations in the area of Galatia, brethren in Philippi, and the church which met in Thessalonica were all told to “stand fast”. The body in Thessalonica were also told to “hold fast” as were the Israelite Christians in the letter to the Hebrews. Timothy was told this as well. In Eph. 6:11-18, we see that the faithful Christian is to “put on the whole armour of God”, and “having done all to stand”’. Does is appear that God will accept “close enough”? In this passage, we also see that if one is to faithfully serve God, they will gird their loins with truth, strap on the breastplate of righteousness, prepare their feet with the gospel of peace, bear the shield of faith, don the helmet of Salvation, arm themselves with the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God), and pray. This formula is not how to ‘be close enough’, but according to Eph. 6:10, it is how brethren are to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
As Paul was in Athens, standing in the midst of Mars’ hill, observing that the people had altars to many gods, including the UNKNOWN GOD, told them to seek God because He is “not far from every one of us:” (Acts 17:27) God is everywhere and accessible. Jas. 4:7-8 informs that Christians are to submit themselves to God and draw nigh to God. We see that He will then draw nigh to us. We cannot afford to be as king Agrippa and those with him as Paul stood before them in Acts 26:28-29. Agrippa indicated that he was almost, (close but not completely) persuaded to be a Christian. Paul’s desire is that all there were “altogether” as Paul was, without the bonds, in other words, a Christian, not close, but completely.
Will you not look into the Word of God and follow His inspired direction to become His child, be added to the church, (Acts 2:47)? To be close, but not completely obedient according to God’s N.T. Word is to spend eternity lost and separated from God forever!
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
