I love to read and have a hard time understanding people who don’t There are so many good books…fiction and nonfiction…and it never ceases to amaze me how God can use both types of books to speak to me.
I just finished a fiction book which, as I read, felt like it had been written just for me. One of the characters had lived a life that so resembled mine that it was almost eerie. As I read how this individual sought God through the good times and the bad…it challenged me to keep seeking…keep following whatever God has for me…even if it requires great sacrifice.
I then picked up the next book in my stack which happens to be a non-fiction one entitled, “Bloodline – Tracing God’s Rescue Plan From Eden To Eternity” by Skip Heitzig. I am only on page 37, but I am already having nuggets of truth jump off the page at me. In writing about Christ’s sacrifice for us…some of the powerful truths have been:
“You are God’s precious treasure, worth the best gift He had to offer, His Son”.
“God showed your value to Him in what Christ did for you. After all, the value of something is determined by what someone is willing to pay for it. Jesus shed all His prerogatives in heaven to come to earth and buy you back from sin. You matter to Him.”
Wow. The value of something is determined by what someone is willing to pay for it. As I read those words…I was overcome with emotion as I was reminded of the price that has been paid for me…and for you…and all I could think of was “What am I going to do with that truth?” If I truly believe this, then I need to ask myself, “What am I willing to pay…what am I willing to do with my life…so that others will see Jesus in me?” Do I value those with whom I encounter enough to be willing to do whatever it takes to make sure they know my Jesus? Christ was willing to sacrifice himself because He values me that much. Do I value others in the same way?
These are such sobering thoughts to me. Christ gave His life for me…but yet I find myself whining because I think He is asking too much of me. He valued me enough to give everything He had…but I find myself complaining when I am expected to come under His authority.
On page 37 then…Heitzig hit me between the eyes with this statement:
“Choosing Jesus as Savior is a one-time event,
but choosing to submit to His lordship
is a daily decision.”
Ouch. I have been paid for with a price and as a result…I am expected to submit to Him every. single. day. Not just when it is convenient. Not just when it’s easy. Not just when I have nothing else to do and feel I can work it into my schedule.
God is convicting me that how I live my life every day is showing others just how much I value my relationship with my Jesus. How much am I willing to pay? My prayer is that today…and every day…His sacrifice will not be in vain and that my life will be a testament to others of what a truly devoted follower of His should look like. Will you join me?
BY THE WAY…have you watched all four lessons in my latest YouTube series entitled, “Fears, Worries & Futures” on my YouTube channel, Image Seeker? If not, check it out and make sure and subscribe so you won’t miss out on the next series when it becomes available! You can find Image Seeker at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0szlDSgNBtFuzzNLBWzwMA
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