For the past six weeks we have talked about life. Not the sort of life that is too often found among friends, families and strangers where death is at the centerfold of their conversations and actions. Rather, we talked about allowing our lives be about living life in its fullest. A life where our conversations and actions are about connection, cohesion, agency, blessing and hope. A life where our focus is not on preventing our physical death. Rather, a life where our focus is on life springing forth out of the only true source of life, Jesus Christ.*
How do we sum up a six week series that if taken seriously, could make all the difference in our personal lives, in our church and in our community? In our scripture, Jesus sums it up for us when He says “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.” A life of discipleship is never about “have it your way,” a well worn marketing slogan that invites us to eat food that is harmful to life rather than helpful.
But isn’t this the way that the “enemy” works against our well being? We are lured by catchy slogans, supposedly well intended friends and family members who the enemy uses to convince us to taste the fruit of disobedience and self indulgence. Jesus also tells us elsewhere that His yoke is not a difficult one to carry, but do we believe Him? Big Mac’s are tempting but they are nothing when compared to our desire to be in control. Let your life be about life.
Our salvation is truly the most important decision we make in our lifetime. A decision to follow Jesus overshadows all of our other choices. “And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul?”
Let your life be about life. Make a decision to recommit Your life to Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to a path that you have overlooked before.
* Leading Causes of Life by Gary Gunderson and Larry Pray.