Something to think about…
I remember reading a news report some time ago about a new kind of vegetarian. Christy Pug, age 28, captured the heart of the report when she said, “I usually eat vegetarian. But I really like bacon.” Who can blame her? She represents a growing number of people who refer to themselves as Flexetarians. Most of the time they will refuse to eat meat, but once in a while they will make an exception. Christy explains it this way, “I really like vegetarian food, but I'm not 100 percent committed.”
Flexetarian is a good example of how many view their commitments today. People are committed until it becomes inconvenient and uncomfortable. When the special is Filet Mignon then our commitments can be adjusted. Unfortunately, that is the way many “Christians” approach their commitment to Jesus. “I want to follow Jesus but I won't do that! Don't ask me to forgive that person. Don't tell me what to do with my money. I worked hard for that. That part of my life is none of your business. I can't help my desires.” We wear the name “Christian” and then we pick and choose the teachings of Jesus that we're going to follow, as if Scripture were a buffet where you just take what looks good to you.
I'm convinced the Lord doesn't want a half-hearted commitment, half-hearted worship, half-hearted devotion, or half-hearted obedience. He wants our whole heart. God wants a people who passionately pursue Him! That is what Jesus meant when he said that the greatest commandment was to love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength!
That kind of complete commitment will result in a life of simple, loving obedience. As the spiritual writer, George MacDonald once said: “Instead of asking yourself whether you believe or not, ask yourself whether you have this day done one thing because he said, “Do it”, or once abstained because he said, “Do not do it.” It is simply absurd to say you believe, or even want to believe in him, if you do not do anything he tells you. If you can think of nothing he ever said as having an atom of influence on your doing or not doing, you have too good ground to consider yourself no disciple of his.
But you can begin at once to be a disciple of the Living One – by obeying him.”
Jesus said it clearly in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Wholehearted commitment, complete trust, and genuine love will inevitably result in simple obedience. May we discover the peace and power of living all in with Jesus!