We had a terrific discussion in today's session. How far does Jesus really want us to go? Should we sell our homes and move into mud huts? (Maybe.) Should we stop going to Disney World for vacation? (Maybe.) Should we stop hoping and expecting for things to turn out OK in this life? (Maybe.)
We're just starting this journey together. I believe all of us are willing to follow Jesus even to the end of the earth, if that's where He wants us to go. The issue for us right now is for us to discover where the Lord would have us to go, and be willing to say "Yes". Consider Luke 14:25-33.
Great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. ... So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
No guilt trips allowed! As we consider what it means to live a life of radical obedience, I encourage you not to beat yourself up over where you are today, decisions you've made, or the things you hope to achieve or obtain. Instead, express to your Lord your willingness to follow as He leads. We all desire to trust and obey our Lord to the best of our ability. Jesus calls and saves us where we are and then, as we follow him, we are shaped and changed.
At this point in our journey, we're just getting ready to get radical. I think it's reasonable for us to take inventory and create a (figurative) pile of all our belongings, our family, our friends, even our own lives, and say, "Lord, these people and things are all yours, not mine. Teach me to do with them what you would have me to do."
Some practical points you might consider guardrails on the journey (all open for discussion!):
- Jesus didn't come into the world to condemn us, but to redeem us (Joh 3:17-18).
- We are after more than sentiment. You need to bring forth fruits consistent with repentance (Luke 3:8, James 2:18). Egyptian civilians recently rallied, risking their lives to make their world a better place. Are we ready to put it all on the line to follow Jesus?
- If you are parents of young children, then you have a responsibility to raise those children (Prov 22:6; Eph. 6:4). (Of course, that doesn't stop you from taking your family to the mission field...)
- It's OK to enjoy the fruit of your labor on this earth, but you should live with intentionality (1Tim 6:17-19; Mt 11:19). If you've been abundantly blessed, then it's almost natural for you to abundantly give (Mt 10:8b), to "pay it forward" for the glory of the Lord and the good of the world.
Next week, on to chapter two.
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