“While it is free to acquire, Christianity requires much to maintain. It is not cheap in any way. You cannot play with it or play at it and succeed. You cannot put it on or off like a coat. It asks for sacrifice and consecration, full and completely. The fact is, this is where the shoe is pinching for some Christians and they do not thank me for saying so.” Classic Christianity:A Year of Timeless Devotions Vol. 2 8/1.
When our Papa wrote these words he knew folks who were struggling to turn from their self-will to a soul that seeks only God’s will. It is the same today. Each of us holds some cherished thing tightly in a vise grip that we want to hold back from surrender. Then, through the love and mercy of God, we learn to let go and
simply rest in Jesus; trusting in His way. Surrender is the whole point of a
vibrant Christian life and it comes only through many trials and testings. It
seems that we never run short of new things to put before the first place of our
Creator. Reputation, money, recognition, material possessions, can all become
our idols. (Whatever we regard more than God.)
I have a young friend named Jennifer. I first met her when she was in 4th grade in my Vacation Bible School class. Today, in her early 20’s, she is ninety days clean and sober. After a long agonizing struggle, she has opened her hand and let her idol fall to the ground. Sacrifice? Yes! Consecration? Yes! She is wearing her Christianity with consistency and strength. She is gaining the dignity and power of the Lord every day. She is growing closer to the abundant life Jesus wants for each one of us if we will only surrender.
Jennifer, you’re my hero! You’re beautiful and I’m so proud of you!
God bless!
Lovingly,
Patti
Classic Christianity