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 after 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 truly converted, changed, who pick up their cross, and walk in repentance. I witness 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 up and be glorified.

Jesus has a value system that is very different from many of those in the church. For instance, we have been taught to believe that prosperity and physical health are the signs of a robust faith. Some teach that our words are containers of faith, and we can have what we confess. They also teach that the Bible's promises are ours to claim, and we can have what it says we can have. Nothing could be farther from the truth, and Jesus is still seeking those who will die to themselves, sell what they have, boast in their weakness, and accept the chastening of a holy Father. We have nothing, and we can do nothing apart from Jesus. In Him, we have everything, and all things are possible. The Christian life is a matter of focusing on Christ and coming to Him on His terms. " . . .  sell what you have . . . and come, follow Me."

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, I lay down my life, so that Jesus Christ may rise up and glorify You through my sacrifice. I will be sure to give You all the glory and honor You deserve. I consider that an honor and my life's work. Amen.