The word “ignoring” is the present participle of the verb “ignore,” which means to deliberately pay no attention to, overlook, or refuse to acknowledge something according to Collins Dictionary. Unfortunately, many in our day and time believe they can ignore God, His Son, and His word and live a life worthy of imitation. Furthermore, we have some among the people of God who say they are faithful to the cause of Christ but their lives demonstrate something different. The apostle Paul would say it this way as it relates to those living hypocritical lives: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will… have a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!” (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Tragically, these only look the part but are not living the life of a Christian.
This practical atheistic idea saturates the minds of some in the church and it would do all well to take heed of such thinking and behavior. The Psalmist said, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.” (Ps. 14:1). The Psalmist is not only describing the atheist but also the one who believes they can live an immoral life before God and not give an account for such behavior. This should remind everyone of the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 11:9-10. God will bring everyone into judgment for their behavior and words. Jesus spoke of our words meeting us in the judgment and for this reason we should choose our words carefully (Matt. 12:36). Everyone claiming to be under the direction of Christ should speak as He spoke and live as He lived (Luke 6:46).
The atheist lives according to his own moral compass and therefore affirms himself to be the moral standard for his life. The major problem here is man did not create himself (Ps. 100:3). God is the One who gave man moral and spiritual laws to govern himself and therefore man does not have the authority to become a law unto himself (Rom. 2:14-15). Those who become a law to themselves do not mind operating according to their own wisdom and authority. This is seen in individuals not offering spiritual sacrifices to the Lord our God through His beloved Son (1 Pet. 2:5). Some of these individuals believe they can worship God wherever, whenever and however they want and propose there is no moral code or standard of living.
However, the one who has named the name of Christ has given gospel allegiance to Him and therefore submitted to the reign of the Father through Him (Luke 17:20-21; Matt. 28:18). When one obeys the gospel in baptism, contacting the blood of Christ, and having their conscience cleansed from dead works to serve the Living God, they are making the claim to follow Jesus with their lives (Heb. 9:14). The new life in Christ is now imposed upon them and living according to the Spirit’s teaching is commanded and therefore necessary (Rom. 6:1-18). For this reason the child of God needs to strongly consider being consistent and making sure the Christian walk and talk are in sync.
So if one is going to be right with God they must live for the one who died for them (2 Cor. 5:14-15). When one claims to hold fast to the commands of God but lives a life of rebellion and sin, this is ignoring the will of God and thus rejecting it for their own will like the religious leaders did during the time of Jesus (Luke 7:29-30). Christians must not only recognize God, but see the seriousness of doing His will from the heart and not mere lip service (Eph. 6:6). Let us work out our salvation before God and man; whether people are watching or not (Phil. 2:12). Let us not claim to be holy, spiritual, and righteous while living lives worthy of eternal damnation (Matt. 7:21-23). Brethren and friends, bear with the word of exhortation and do not ignore God.
-Mike Bonner