Many people don't want to put all their eggs into one basket. So they become "Christians" but still keep one foot in the world. This way, if Jesus isn't real, at least they haven't wasted their whole lives for Him. They rationalize that if Jesus is the meaning of life, they're at least church members, without losing the "fun" of the world.
This is the most common approach to Christianity in America. It makes Jesus feel like throwing up (Rv 3:15-16). Jesus died on the cross for us. He poured out every drop of blood and breathed His last breath for us. As we kneel before the crucified Jesus, we realize that it is sacrilegious to give Him anything less than everything.
The kingdom of God is like a buried treasure or a precious pearl (Mt 13:44-46). The cost of discipleship is everything. We may not have much, but we each have an "all" — and that all is what we must give. The first commandment is: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind" (Lk 10:27).
| PRAYER: | Father, "give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to distinguish right from wrong" (1 Kgs 3:9). |
| PROMISE: | "We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love" Him. –Rm 8:28 |
| PRAISE: | Praise You, risen Jesus, "The Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (Jn 14:6). Alleluia! |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College