Amos 3:3 – “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?”  NKJV

What a tremendous assertion in this verse.  The idea presented is that in order for there to be an abiding relationship, with permanence, there must be agreement.  In this particular case, the ‘two’ are the Judgment of God and the Words of the prophet.  These two do not coincide by mere chance, any more than two persons pursue (in-company) the same end unless there is a previous agreement.

We must realize that in order to maintain an honest walk with God we must have agreement.  Being a Christian is more than accepting a creed or even accepting a loving savior.  It means to walk with God day by day all the days of our lives. 

For two to walk together in a relationship there must be agreement.  Simply, both parties agree on the objective and desire the same end.  There has to be common ground.  That is true in all relationships but especially true in Covenant with God.  To walk with God there must be agreement.  I want us to consider some of the agreements that must be established and maintained.

• There Must Be Agreement About the Natural Condition of Man.

We and God must come to full agreement as to the true nature of man.  I guess it would be better said, we must come into agreement with God and adopt His view of man.  He knows!  There must be agreement about man’s ability or inability regarding his actions, his transgressions, his life, attitude, and heart.  We must come into agreement as to the remedy for man’s dilemma or sinfulness.

There is the belief, shared by many, that man is born a sinner.  James 1:14-15 sheds a little different light on that subject, “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.”   I would ask if man is born a sinner what about Adam?  Of course, one could argue Adam was innocent but fell and now we inherit his sin.  What of the angels?  Well, angels do not get saved is the objection.  What about the devil?  He was one of the angels of God and through rebellion (sin) fell from God’s favor and was evicted from heaven.

If we are born sinners, then is sin our fault?  That brings us to the opposing view that man becomes a sinner through an act of his will or through his missing the mark. 

Regardless of which view you hold, the one truth that we should all be able to agree upon is that without Christ man is lost, a sinner, and hopeless.

There are some biblical realities we need to interject here are:

All have sinned – (Romans 3:23).  The natural or carnal man and mind hates God. (Romans 8:7).  Those who have reached the age or mental state they know right from wrong and are accountable for their actions have sinned.  The natural mind (heart) is selfish and because the focus is on self, rejects God and His rightful rule.

Who does natural carnal sinful man blame for his condition?  If we are born sinners and cannot help sinning, then sin is not a crime against God it is a tragedy.  If I cannot help it and have no part in it, then it is not my fault but God’s for my condition.  If on the other hand I sin through an act of my will or in rebellion or choosing to disobey, as did Adam and Eve, then it is my fault and I am guilty.  I become fully accountable to God and in need of a Redeemer and Forgiveness. 

God says, “The soul that sins it shall die.”  Isaiah 53:6 declares, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way…”  God holds each of us accountable for our own sins, not the sins of Adam, our brothers or sisters, nor our parents.  It is my sin that separates me from God, not your sin.  Therefore, as the song we used to sing, “It’s not my brother, nor my sister, but it’s me O LORD standing in the need of prayer.”  I have sinned and come short of God’s Glory and I need forgiveness. 

I want to delve a little deeper into this subject in the next devotional but will pause here and allow you time to reflect upon the thoughts I have presented.  You can receive them, reject them, or be indifferent, but I ask that you consider them.

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Jesus!