I don’t think anyone likes to think that they are lacking in anything. Jesus said to the rich young ruler, “One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me” (Mark 10:21). He was good morally, humble, and Jesus loved him. But he needed one thing to be right. Could it be that one thing might keep you from being in compliance with Him?
Cornelius was a devout man (Acts 10:1-11:18). He gave many alms to God and he prayed continually. He feared God and was a righteous man. The Holy Ghost had even fallen on him but he still lacked something. He needed to be baptized. Once he was, he was saved. Saul of Tarsus is another example (Acts 22:16). He was an educated, blameless-in-the-law Jew. When he was met by Christ, he knew his life was going to change. Although he had spoken personally with the Lord, he was not yet complete. Ananias delivered the message that he needed to be baptized. After he was, his sins were washed away.
What lackest thou? Belief? Repentance? Confession? Baptism? Assembling with the saints? Praying? Giving? Singing? Partaking of the Lord’s Supper? Visiting the sick? Adding Christian virtues? Living a more Christlike life? Like the stepping stones, if one is left out it is impossible to reach the next one. What about your life, do you still lack something that is keeping you from fully obeying the Lord? If you do, change it so that you can be saved!
Kyle Campbell
