Sold Out?

Are you sold out to Christ? If you claim to be a Christian, you should be. What does being "sold out" mean? It means doing what Jesus commanded us to do (a mandate) when he told us to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:9-20). Esther 4:14 tells us that "such a time as this" is the best time of all to tell others about Christ. "Do the work of an evangelist" is what we are told to do by Timothy (2 Timothy 4:5). Don't just merely believe in Jesus. Tell others! As a follower of Christ, you should know that those who do not know your savior Jesus, will be condemned to hell for eternity (Mark 16:16). This life is short and God gives us many opportunities to share our faith in Him with others.

But are we willing to listen? Are we willing to lay down our agenda and plans for His? Are we willing to pick up our cross and follow Jesus? What does that mean? It means you would die for Christ. It means that telling others about Jesus would be the most important thing in your life! If you don't, you are not sold out. You are lukewarm. Do you know what the Bible says about "lukewarm Christians?" Jesus tells us that we will be "spit out" (Revelation 3:16). Think in your head for a moment the kind of imagery that puts across. The Bible also tells us that in the last days (which have been occurring since the church was established in the first century) many hearts will grow cold. Hearts that have followed Him at one time... read on.

If you feel you are one of these people who calls himself or herself a Christian, but knows deep inside that your money and lifestyle comes before Christ, if you know that there is never any time to pray or have fellowship with God because of the time it takes to earn your money, party, play with all the toys that money can buy, read/watch pornography, enjoy R-rated movies, or just sit in front of the television for hours, then you are a "lukewarm Christian," and it's time to make a turnaround, before Christ spits you out, which I think means, you may be on your way to Hell.

God doesn't want us to just live. He wants us to LIVE! Living out loud, sold out to Jesus. Telling others, people we care about and love, what Jesus has done in our lives. Showing them by our past that He has made an eternal difference in our lives and showing that transformation in our lives. Live out your faith and tell others about Jesus. Show them that you are sold out to Him.

Artwork credit: Dave Kinsey © 2008 Check him out - incredible, sometimes disturbing visuals

Discipleship

Discipleship, by definition, involves following and obedience. In John 14:23 & 24a, Jesus clearly says, “If anyone loves me he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching.” Our western way of thought quickly rebels against this word. We are not legalists. We do not live by rules to be obeyed. How dare Jesus equate obedience with whether or not we love him! Oh, I suppose Jesus can do that – HE IS THE TRUTH!

Actually, it is quite simple. If we love God, we trust God. We believe he desires the best for us and that he knows what is best for us. Therefore, if we love him, it would be foolish to disobey. We don’t have to understand everything; we do need to obey. After obedience, not before, we learn that God’s instructions are way cool, and they actually protect us from having a painful and messy life.

• “God, I don’t understand why you aren’t healing Lucille, but I will still pray for her healing.”
• “Lord, it is hard for me to love my enemy, but I will act good toward them.”
• “Jesus, I can’t afford to give tithes and offerings right now, but I will because you told me to.”
• “Father, I am so busy! Still, I will come and worship you and dedicate a portion of my time to ministry.”

Did you notice the promise that is given to those who obey? “My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” I want that!

RUB OFF – RUB ON
We are witnesses of God’s love and guidance only when we are obedient. Through obedience we reveal to others the truth and ways of God. The unbeliever sees you acting so unworldly, and you are either ridiculed or you create wonder and curiosity in those around you.

• “ What’s wrong with you? You never take things from the supply closet?”
• “How come you never join with us when we’re telling jokes? Don’t you think they’re funny?”
• “Why won’t you tell us what you think of her new boyfriend?”
• “Why don’t you just call in sick if you want to go to the party?”
• “Come on, take it, use it, do it! No one will ever know!”

I will know, and my Lord, who I love, will know. My life is good because I love and obey him, and I would be a fool to think I knew better than God!

IN THE MIRROR
For some odd reason, disobedience has become a common response in our lives, and is often considered not to be a big deal. Here is the truth:

• “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” James 4:17
• “We know that we have come to know him (Jesus) if we obey his commands.” I John 2:3
• “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives for ever.” I John 2:17

Too often we, like John’s audience, over-spiritualize stuff. We do not connect our daily life with our relationship with God. We borrow money, but we refuse to pay it back, or are late with payment. Is this the good thing to do? We think our homework is boring, so we blow it off. Is this the good thing to do? We are supposed to work our shift, but we call in with excuse after excuse. Others have to double up or come in on their days off. Is this the good thing to do? Our parents tell us to do something. We don’t like it, and we do what we want to do instead. Is this the good thing to do? The movie we rented is foul. We spent $3.49 to rent it, so we have to watch it! Is this the good thing to do? No, no, no, no, and no! And those acts of disobedience are sin because they damage others, yourself, and your witness for God.

Parents, it is of great importance when your kids disobey. If you do not punish and discipline when they disobey they will learn that disobedience is no big deal. Obedience is a big deal! Teach them consistently the truth of God: “Discipline your son, and he will give you peace; he will bring delight to your soul.” Proverbs 29:17

Live it out! Obedience is a matter of life and death for you and your children.