Do we run to Christ, or are we reluctant and holding back?
I shared this with the girls in my house today as part of my devotion to them.
There are two responses we can have to Jesus.
1. We can be like the rich man in Matthew 19:16-22...
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19 Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
This man decided not to follow Jesus because he loved his possessions more.
2. Or we can be like the disciples in Mark 1:16-20...
16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him. 19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. 20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.
The disciples immediately left their earthly possessions and followed Jesus.
Is there something that is holding you back from being completely committed to following Christ?
Being a Christian is not something you can only be half committed to. You are either sold out for Christ or you aren't. Jesus says in Matthew 6:24 that we can't serve both God and money. The rich man in the first parable found the truth of this.
I struggle with being reluctant to give my time to Christ. I know I should set aside so quiet time, but I really want to finish a good book I am reading. There are so many things I could spend my free time doing. God is a jealous God. When I do spend a considerable amount of time with God, I am enriched. Why don't I spend quality time with Him more often? Do I not value Him more than the things of this world? This is a question I daily have to ask myself.
Who are you going to serve?
Will you run after Christ leaving everything behind? Are you prepared to live a life completely devoted to living for Him? Are you willing to die to yourself to be alive in Christ?
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