Remember the whimsical commercials that asked, “What would you do for a Klondike Bar?” The commercials featured people making fools of themselves in order to earn the chocolate covered ice cream square. They were cute commercials with a catchy tune.
One of my favorites is where a man is getting his chest hair waxed off. Ouch. Another is a guy actually listening to his wife for a whole 5 seconds without his eyes glazing over, to earn a Klondike Bar. Then there is the Mother-in-law foot massage. I don’t like feet, so the reward would have to be a lot more than a KB for me.
One of my favorites is where a man is getting his chest hair waxed off. Ouch. Another is a guy actually listening to his wife for a whole 5 seconds without his eyes glazing over, to earn a Klondike Bar. Then there is the Mother-in-law foot massage. I don’t like feet, so the reward would have to be a lot more than a KB for me.
All kidding aside, I want to ask this question. What would you do for Jesus? We would all agree that the Son of God IS more important than a chocolaty covered frozen confection so, it follows that the requests He makes of us would be more than thoughtless quirky antics meant for entertainment. Christ is like our training officer and His entreaties should be regarded as exercises meant to build in us faith and obedience. A Christian builds his faith muscle through endurance and repetition of action. Christ sees deep inside our hearts. He sees our flabby faith and goes to work designing a personalized fitness program. Some exercises are easy. Others, painful and the results are not usually seen immediately.
For instance, would you impulsively jump out of a boat without thinking, like Peter did? Cast your fishing net on the other side of the boat just because Christ said to? Would you sing praises to the Almighty while shackled in a filthy prison? How about feed the hungry and give money to the poor when your own finances need help? Sometimes we are instructed to act in impulsive obedience and other times we are asked to repeat our actions over and over until they become a part of us.
What are YOU willing to do? Would you learn patience for Him? What if Christ asked you to attend church every week! Would you tithe consistently? What if you listened to the inner voice leading you to cultivate a Bible Study at school or work or start a blog? These would appear to be simple tasks, until WE are asked to do them. Simple until we realize that we are scared, lazy, insecure and self absorbed. What has Christ been nudging you to do? Are you listening?
In moments of spiritual awakening and great resolute, we promise to do anything for Christ. But when life gets tough, we whine. I know, God's Boot Camp of Faith is hard work, but half-heartedness is NOT an option. There are no sissies in the Kingdom of God. If we are in this for the long haul, we cannot shy away from His hand of training. Our salvation begins with a personal one-on-one relationship with Christ and grows deep through the discipline of a long term commitment.
What would YOU do for HIM? Only you can answer that.
Galatians 5:22-23
From The Message
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
For instance, would you impulsively jump out of a boat without thinking, like Peter did? Cast your fishing net on the other side of the boat just because Christ said to? Would you sing praises to the Almighty while shackled in a filthy prison? How about feed the hungry and give money to the poor when your own finances need help? Sometimes we are instructed to act in impulsive obedience and other times we are asked to repeat our actions over and over until they become a part of us.
What are YOU willing to do? Would you learn patience for Him? What if Christ asked you to attend church every week! Would you tithe consistently? What if you listened to the inner voice leading you to cultivate a Bible Study at school or work or start a blog? These would appear to be simple tasks, until WE are asked to do them. Simple until we realize that we are scared, lazy, insecure and self absorbed. What has Christ been nudging you to do? Are you listening?
In moments of spiritual awakening and great resolute, we promise to do anything for Christ. But when life gets tough, we whine. I know, God's Boot Camp of Faith is hard work, but half-heartedness is NOT an option. There are no sissies in the Kingdom of God. If we are in this for the long haul, we cannot shy away from His hand of training. Our salvation begins with a personal one-on-one relationship with Christ and grows deep through the discipline of a long term commitment.
What would YOU do for HIM? Only you can answer that.
Galatians 5:22-23
From The Message
But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.
You've convicted me, Pat! Thank you!
ReplyDeletenice. where do i sign up?
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