“So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.” Luke 5:11
“They immediately left their nets and followed Him” Mark 1:18
These verses have got me thinking lately. These are very powerful Scriptures if we look at and apply them to our lives. As I have been looking around and listening to others I find that these Scriptures don’t fit the lifestyles of many Christians. Today Christianity has become a ‘what’s in it for me’ mentality.
Everyone loves to hear about the blessings of God. We all want to receive them and we should, after all they are rightfully ours. Jesus died so that we could have God’s blessings. We don’t need to work for them, but we do need to line ourselves up to God’s Word. We can’t just expect God to give us His blessings without following His Word.
I’m not talking about perfection or working for salvation. There’s no need to work for salvation as it was already paid for when Jesus died on the cross. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3) Here the Bible shows us that the blessings are rightfully ours.
However, if we look at our lives we may see that we aren’t walking in the fullness of this verse. We aren’t seeing every spiritual blessing in our lives. Why is this?
I believe the above Scriptures speak lots. The early disciples saw many powerful things. God was moving in their midst. Miracles were happening everywhere they went. Now-a-days we want to see the same thing. However, we don’t want to do what the disciples did. We want the benefits without the obedience and the forsaking of all.
Many Christians today want to live the same lifestyles as most non-believers. There are some sins people are not willing to give up. When as ministers we talk about “forsaking all and following Him” it seems to be something to laugh at. Most people don’t want to hear about having to give things up or stop doing certain things. Many times, this is thought as a ‘works’ mentality.
People seem to be comfortable in their sins and they don’t want anyone to confront them about it. Today it’s easy to hide behind a computer, smartphone, closet, bedroom, etc. and participate in almost any sin imaginable. If the person were to get caught and confronted they are told to ‘mind their own business’ and that ‘Jesus knows my heart.’
While it’s true, Jesus does know your heart, He knows it enough that He doesn’t want you to stay where you are. He came to make you like Him. Jesus isn’t going to give up on you, but He wants you to draw closer to Him so that He can change your heart. The closer you get to Jesus, the more you want to act like Him.
I’m tired of seeing people want to live 50% or 70% for Jesus. When we come to Christ we should want to ‘forsake all’ and live 100% for Jesus. I don’t think Jesus wants it any other way. He wants us to live all or nothing.
So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold not hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Revelation 3:16
These are some pretty strong words coming from Jesus. He would actually rather that you be cold than that you would live 50% for Him. He wants all or nothing. You can’t expect to serve Jesus on your own terms and still expect everything from Him. You must move forward and forsake all.
I believe God wants to move in powerful ways across the world, but He is waiting for us to strive toward holiness. Not that we can become holy of ourselves, but because He’s making us holy. He said that He’s coming back for a church that is “without spot or wrinkle or any such thing” (Ephesians 5:27) Christian, brother or sister, He is talking to me and you.
We need to be willing to ‘forsake all and follow Him’. It’s time that we begin to rise up like never before and live our lives for Jesus. Don’t be satisfied living 98% of your life for Jesus. Give Him your all. Jesus didn’t die on the cross so that we would live a mediocre life. He has called us to complete obedience.
I’m convinced that if we would rise up as Christians and live the way Jesus wants us to, we would see a greater increase of miracles in our day. I’m sure that there is so much more in store if we are willing to go the extra mile. If we would depart from sin and allow God to work in our hearts we would see so much more.
Ask Jesus to put a passion in your heart to live 100% for Him. Don’t give Him any less. He deserves so much more as He died for us. Are you willing to live a life of obedience to Him? Will you live in such a way that you will do whatever He tells you to do?
Jesus is calling for true disciples. Will you be one? Will you allow Jesus to work in your heart and make you into His image? The world is waiting for you. They want to see that Jesus is genuine and that He’s made a difference in your life.
Be a world-changer and history maker!
