chosentofollowhim

I’m writing this to the “Christian” who is stumbling around in the dark; struggling to jump all-in as a follower of Jesus. In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul implores us to be in the world and not of it, to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. These are not easy tasks, but achievable nonetheless. How do we ultimately surrender ourselves to be in the world and not feasting on its delights? What does it look like to be a living sacrifice and how do we renew our minds when that is what the enemy is after every minute of every day? What is the key? Dying to self, elevating others and exalting God above all else. John the Baptist said, “He must increase, and I must decrease,” in speaking of Jesus. Meaning his purpose in the world was to glorify Jesus, and not Himself!

Western influenced cultures are gruesomely focused on self-love, self-help, and building up ourselves to the point of self-mutilation. Every realm of society focuses on the serving of self which in itself is highly unbiblical. A quick fix is needed to boost one’s self esteem. More followers, more likes, more attention, more, more, more band-aid solutions. None of this medicates what truly needs healing and that is our sin nature. Satan has fooled us in to believing that if we love and care for ourselves above all else, then we are able to love and care for others better. Jesus said we would be hated by the world, persecuted, and be put to death. How does this work in a culture that strives on the boosting of one’s individual success and proclaims that anything goes; where a person can claim to be anything, anytime, anywhere, and to oppose this means that you are the bigot or a racist, and the list goes on. The powers and principalities are working overtime and Satan knows his time is close to its end. He is desperately pulling all the punches and devouring weary souls. These are the stumbling blocks we’ve been warned about, shockwaves crafted by the enemy to create chaos and confusion in the next generations.

1 Peter 2:9-10 says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who calls you out of the darkness and into His marvellous light: who once were not a people but are now a people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.” God has set us apart for good reason. We are His own personal treasure, being sanctified and made new, formed and fashioned as spotless bride awaiting His return. But stumbling blocks…

Do not be tossed to and fro by the endless waves that are holding you captive each day. Stand firm in the soil that the Lord has generously planted you in. Let your roots grow wildly deep. Get pruned. Bear good fruit. Jesus said He didn’t come to bring peace but a sword. He knew the cost to follow Him would be a great sacrifice and would cause friction, division, animosity, and hatred in both families and friendships. But He insisted that we pick up our cross and follow Him in faith and not look back. Looking back has grave consequences. We see this in the story of Lot’s wife who looked back on Sodom and Gomorrah and instantly turned to a pillar of salt. We also see it with Peter when he was walking on water and looked back at the boat. He immediately began to sink. You of little faith, don’t look back! Keep your hands on the plow and your eyes fixed faithfully on the beauty of the one who calls you His beloved.

Christian, what is it worth to lose to your soul to this dying and wretched world when there is a kingdom vastly approaching on the horizon? Do you know that Jesus is coming back to restore this world and to reign for a thousand years, the Millennium. Do you know that He is coming back as a conquering King and will reign with a golden sceptre from Jerusalem? Do you know that all evil will be slain? This is the time to really know the truth and walk diligently in it. We must endure till the end. We must run the race with the steadfast endurance of the saints who have gone before us from generation to generation. We must arise in this wicked and perverse age and depart from the lie that “self-love” is ultimate truth. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment is He replied, “‘Love your Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” This is the remedy: love God and love others.

Now is the time to step in to the Living Water with both feet and abandon the lures and pleasures of this world, clinging to the blessed hope of Jesus and His coming redemption and restoration. All of this will pass away and only two eternal dwelling places will remain, the agonizing torment of Hell, and the glorious light of New Heaven and New Earth. We can’t expect to obtain the reward of the Kingdom of God if we half-heartedly claim to follow Jesus. He wants, desires, and commands our full and poured out devotion. With this comes true freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit. This possession is the gift that every believer bestows and it equips us for living within the earthly realm until He returns. Without God’s truth we are flailing, never satisfied, constantly let down, and full of unrealistic expectations. When this burden is lifted, true living in Messiah begins. In the end we want to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Your salvation depends on it.