In Luke 18, there's a story of a rich official who meets Jesus. He proclaims: "Jesus you're a good teacher, what can I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus being Jesus-like answers his dramatic statement with a question with a little snark (I think). He says, " Why are you calling me good? Only God is good." I have to imagine this rich guy's head he's like.: "okkkk...." Jesus continues: "Have you done the things I've asked of you?" "Have you been honest with mom and dad?" "Have you killed or stolen in the the past 5 years?" The man answers that he's kept all his commands and lived a life worthy of a gold-star as for as rules and regulations go. Jesus responds: "Sell everything you have and give it to the poor. You will have riches in heaven. Come, follow Me" The rich guy, expecting a high five from Jesus, was taken back. The man left, and isn't mentioned again. Jesus spent some time teaching his disciples from that interaction, but lets focus on this guy who had it all, and walked away. See, I think this man was rich in more ways than just wealth. I'd like to think he was well-liked, talented in many ways. He was in leadership, his business was doing well. He had a lot of things going for him. When reading this passage, I'm instantly judgmental. "Man, this guy's an idiot. Why would you choose money over Jesus?!" Want to know why I judge this dude? Because I'm just like him. I have money that provides for my debts, needs, and then some. I have a steady paycheck with benefits. I have a couple things I'm good at. I, like every other human, have a desire to be liked. I desire to have a good reputation among my communities. I'm a leader in my local church...I have a lot. Jesus hones in on this guys' wealth, because he values it MORE than following Jesus. He's doing the same thing with us. So I find myself asking: "What do I value more than following Jesus?" It's a hard question that requires several large slices of humble pie. For me, it's not one thing. I knowingly and unknowingly have stuff that I value more than following Jesus. Some of it is good, too! In fact, I'm learning the gifts I receive from God are the very things I like to use to separate myself from Him. And He's asking me time and time again to give them all up, and follow Him. Here's a few of mine: -being taken seriously, proving myself as a leader and artist -my savior complex -the facade of control and knowledge -fear and worry over faith and trust -finacial stability -good reputation, being well-liked There's a fuller picture that we can't see with these things hindering our view and trust. It's only when the "separators" are identified and removed that we move closer to understanding WHY He asks us to give it up, and why His work and mission is worth the sacrifice.
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In an effort to start writing more, I'm going to share a couple sections of the Bible that got me like whaaa??
Let's start here, shall we? "Anyone who comes to Me but refususee to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters--yes even one's own self--can't be My disciple." "Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple." -excerpts from Luke 14 MSG Initial, honest thoughts: Yikes. Followed quickly by fear, anxiety, and worry. I share my reaction because there's a myth floating around that intially reading, studying, and digesting scripture is always filled with total peace, understanding, clarity, and hope. Maybe that's the case for some, not for me. I'm at a place in my life were I'm allowing myself to believe God has good for me. For you. For the entire world. It's a simple concept, but like most things in God's kingdom, it's filled with layers and complexities. The good for me currently is my relationships, the work I'm doing, getting my act together financially, and stepping into deep callings God's place on my heart. I see God in every single one of these...they're good! He's good! Surely He wouldn't ask me to give up the very things He's given me? Here's the thing: HE IS. The phrase "giving things up" in God's book means surrender. Total surrender and submission to Him and His will. If you enjoy the myth of control like me, this cornerstone quality in following Jesus is real hard. Here's what I'm learning in regards to "giving things up": it's all about posture. The moment I begin clinging to the gifts I have been given, is the moment they loose their value. They quickly become my god, even though they're from and of God. In the excerpt from Luke, Jesus asks His disciples the same question. Every value and gift He's asking his friends to sacrifice is GOOD. He's asking His disciples if they truly think following Him is worth it. If it's better than even their greatest gift from God. Too many times I read the bible through the lense of "c'mon discple-guys, the right answer is following Jesus. He's totally worth it, duh!". However, as I live more life, and experience really good things, I'm learning how vital it is to ask myself every day: "Is following Jesus better than even the greatest gift He's given me?". I'll admit, most days I choose the gift over Jesus. That's why scripture like this hits me so hard. So, I'm asking myself and you today: What's your posture? Is it a white-knuckle grip on the good in your life? Or even the bad? or Is it an open-hands-open-heart surrender on the good? |
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