You Call Me...
I don't know how many centuries the engraving has existed, but I am told the following poem is found on a slab of stone in a Lubeck, Germany cathedral. The author is not known. I have updated every usage of "ye" to "you," for twenty-first century readers.

You call Me "Master" and obey Me not.
You call Me "Light" and seek Me not.
You call Me "Way" and walk Me not.
You call Me "Life" and desire Me not.
You call Me "wise" and follow Me not.
You call Me "fair" and love Me not.
You call Me "rich" and ask Me not.
You call Me "eternal" and seek Me not.
You call Me "gracious" and trust Me not.
You call Me "noble" and serve Me not.
You call Me "mighty" and honor Me not.
You call Me "just" and fear Me not.
If I condemn you, blame Me not.

Now that is a powerful poem! This is the kind of poem that ought to really resonate with us, causing us to reflect upon our own lives. Is God really our Master? Do we really consider Christ to be the Way? Do we really rely upon and trust the God whom we claim is so great in all of these marvelous attributes? If not, why not? Are we guilty of saying one thing and doing something else? Dear listeners, do we verbally claim to love God and His church a whole lot more than our actions show? If so, we do not fear the Lord as we should, and thus we lack true wisdom (cf. Prov. 1:7).

If I were to make more changes to the poem, besides updating the use of "ye," I would alter the last line. Instead of using the word "if," it would be better to read: "When I condemn you, blame Me not." You see friends, condemnation for a hypocritical disciple as described is not a matter of doubt. It is certain that such a one will perish eternally. One who does not obey, seek, walk with, trust, serve, or fear God has no hope of everlasting life. It matters not how kind they may be to their fellow human beings. It matters not how often they gather with the church. It matters not if they think they are better than many other so-called Christians. What matters is whether they are seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (cf. Matt. 6:33)!

Jesus Himself affirmed in Matthew 7:21-23 - "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"

Calling Him Master is not sufficient. Realizing He is the source of light and life is not sufficient. Acknowledging that He is the way is not sufficient. Telling Him of His wonderful attributes of grace, power, wisdom, etc. is not sufficient. Love and obey Him--do the Father's will! That is sufficient.