Committed to Christ

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

Matthew 16:24-25

What is driving me?
What's the purpose of my actions?
To serve God? Others? Me?
Where lie my passions?

I don't want to be a lukewarm Christian.
Giving God what is left
Instead of offering Him my best
Would only leave me bereft.

So I will examine my heart daily:
What needs to be laid down?
What is my cross to bear
So that I serve God alone?

I'll commit to God wholeheartedly
By surrendering all to Him
On a daily basis,
So my faith will not grow dim.

My Bible study group is currently reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. A few chapters address lukewarm Christians. No one wants to think of themselves as lukewarm about anything, especially in regards to their faith. But, if we don’t examine our hearts on a regular basis, it’s easy to become complacent. What drives me to do what I do? What is my primary purpose? Is it to serve God, others, or me? At any given moment, it could be any of these! I don’t consciously think about serving God most of the time, but many of my actions are about serving Him or others. More often than not, I put others first. It comes naturally to me. But, that’s not to say I don’t have my selfish moments where it’s all about me! I can get caught up in doing what I want, when I want and leave God behind. Do I make plans and ask God to bless them, or do I ask God to bless me with what He has planned for me? At the end of the day, have I given Him my best or given Him what’s leftover?

Another aspect he touched on was full surrender. Two questions Francis posed really got me thinking. “Am I willing to say to God that He can have whatever He wants?” “Do I believe that wholehearted commitment to Him is more important than any other thing or person in my life?” Neither of those is an easy “yes” for me. Surrendering everything to God is scary. It’s not a new concept, just a difficult one to fully embrace. Some things are easier to surrender than others. I like to be in control. I like having all my ducks in a row and in tow. So, if I surrender my plans, my possessions, my family and friends to Him, I won’t always know where those ducks are going! That’s where trust comes in. (Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7) Even though I know His plans for me are to prosper me and not to hurt me, full surrender of all I have and what I do is not easy. (For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11) But, when I turn to Him for guidance, fully trusting in Him with everything, I’m at peace with my actions and decisions.

So, what’s the driving force that keeps me lukewarm at times? Fear of loss of the irreplaceable. The thought of losing a family member or friend can be crippling at times. I know He loves my family and friends even more that I do, so I fight off the worry with prayer. (“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call on Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation.” Psalm 91:14-16) I’m also very sentimental. I get attached to things-especially family treasures passed down from generations. To lose those things would be devastating. Although God is more concerned about my relationship with Him than my things, He does know those things are important to me. So, I ask myself, “Do I put more importance on my treasured possessions than on my relationship with God?” I don’t think so. I strive to keep a healthy perspective regarding these belongings. Although they spark joy and comfort, I rely on God for peace, contentment, and love, as well as joy and comfort.

So, daily I will pick up my cross and follow God. I will put my trust in Him as I surrender it all, allowing Him to have His way in my life on a daily basis. Some days will be easier than others, but I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Lord, help me to live for You wholeheartedly. Keep me aware of any lukewarm tendencies that I need to surrender. Thus may my faith grow stronger every day. Amen