Uncertainties, life is full of them. Every day we face new challenges, trials,and tests. Chaos and corruption rule the day. We struggle to discern who to believe and how best to live in the world around us.
As citizens, we fight for our rights and privileges. We lean heavily on our traditions, finding comfort in the familiar. We long for those familiarities ... faces, routines, and customs which we have created.
As followers of Jesus, we turn toward scripture for comfort, peace, and direction. The words of Jesus call His followers to a life of sacrifice, to take up our cross and follow after Him. To lay down our own lives and seek after His kingdom. Paul challenges believers to adopt Christ’s own attitude. An attitude of humility. Jesus traded His own rights and privileges in heaven and came to earth as a servant. He even humbled himself to the point of death. Yes, He was unjustly crucified for our sin. He bore the weight of our burdens and paid the price which was undeserved.
Our call is to do likewise. You know, it would be easier if we could just pick and choose the boundaries of our commitment to Christ. As Americans, in many ways, we have exchanged our commitment to Christ for personal rights and privileges as citizens in this country. In reality, we have laid aside Christ’s example of humility in favor of our personal opinions, freedoms, and rights as Americans. We must be careful, lest we forget the words of John the Baptist “He must increase, but I must decrease (John 3:30).”
Let me ask you a question. Is your faith practice dependent on your own self — your attitude, opinions, or preferences? Or do you take heart the words of Paul in Philippians 2:4-5: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important that yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”
The call is simple. Jesus said, “Follow me.” He said it wouldn’t be easy. He said you would experience difficulties, hardships, and even persecution. The choice to follow through is a worthy one. So, which kingdom are you vested in? For me, the answer is simple — “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” What about you?
