A Life Laid Down
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” (Matthew 19:21) I meet so many folks who believe there is a God, that God is good, that it would be best and right for them to follow God with their whole heart, that the Bible is true, etc. But I meet few who get these beliefs out of their heads and into their hearts – too few who are profoundly changed, who pick up their cross, and walk in repentance. I see so much ministry born out of the goodness of men's hearts instead of the brokenness and weakness that God honors. Successful ministry is never a matter of what men say or do, or how many are in attendance; but it is the fruit of a life laid down, so that Christ may rise and be glorified in us. Jesus has a value system that is quite different from many in the church. For instance, it is said that financial prosperity and physical health are the signs...