Matters of Faith: How to follow
Dorothy asks, "How can you talk if you haven't got a brain?" The Scarecrow replies, "I don't know ... but some people without brains do an awful lot of talking." That quote from "The Wizard of Oz" is 80 years old, and it still cracks me up whenever I hear it.
Why do you think God gave you a brain? What would your top answers be to this question? So you could figure out a way to make a good living? Balance your checking account? Remember Adam Wainwright's stats including ERA, career wins/losses, or how many strikeouts he has amassed? (It's 1,583, by the way.)
Any of these may be true to a point, but in the larger scope of life, what is really important to God? I don't know that the Lord is really concerned with what your occupation is, your position in the community, whether you are married or single, or what car or truck you drive. But I do believe that He is very concerned with whether or not we "follow him," according to John 10:27.
Notice that Jesus doesn't say anything about having the right answers in Bible study class. Nor does he mention that you should wear your Hollister jeans with your Aeropostale shirt and Vans on your feet while sipping your Starbucks during worship time. He doesn't even talk about which mode of transportation you should take on Sunday to church: the donkey, horse or camel. (One hump or two?) No, He simply says, "Follow me."
We all want the blessings, provisions and protections that the Lord can give, but I wonder how many people are following Jesus who are reading this article right now? If you are truly willing to follow the Lord, then "Present your body as a living, holy sacrifice." (Romans 12:1) Wow. Yeah, I struggle with this, too.
Most people ask, "What does it mean to offer your body as a living holy sacrifice, and how am I supposed to do that? Do I have to be a lifelong missionary in Africa?" Listen, I'll let you in on a little secret to the Christian life; this is what separates those who say they are Christians from those who truly follow Jesus. People want to know, "What exactly do I have to do, God, in order to follow you?" before they decide to be completely "sold out" to actually following Jesus like He asks. Most people get this Faith concept backwards. Jesus wants to first know that we are completely sold out to Him; after that, he will lead us in what he wants us to do as we trust and truly follow Him.
So "don't be just a nothing with your head all full of stuffing, and your heart all full of pain." Unravel this riddle - go ahead use your brain and decide to be sold out to Jesus. Follow Him. His retirement plan is better than that 401(k) that you and I are breaking our back for every day. His plan is for eternity.
Be strong and courageous.
Matters of Faith is contributed each week by members of the Du Quoin Ministerial Alliance.</group><group id="9B5E0C35-237B-4667-BCD9-602571F218EB" type="seoLabels">