140 – Is it really possible to leave all for Christ?

It's easy to say the words, but it's not so easy to actually let go of all our personal opinions,  perceptions and preconceptions.

But that's what Jesus encourages us to do.

Does that mean we're supposed to sell all our worldly goods, give it all to the poor, live on the streets or in a cave, depend on charity, or get our money from a fish’s mouth?

No!

Jesus only told one person to sell everything and give the proceeds to the poor.  And even if you did that, it doesn't automatically  make you more spiritual and obedient to Jesus.

What does it mean to leave all for Christ?

As always Jesus gives us the answer. And it’s more the way he lived his life, and not just the words he said. 

• He did not pursue his own will, he always did God’s will. 
• Jesus didn’t come to accumulate and bask in personal glory. Everything he did was for God’s glory.
• Jesus did not come with his own personal agenda. From the time he was a young boy, he was about his Father’s business. 
• He did not maneuver his way into people’s lives to exert his personal power over them.
• Each breath he took, each step he took, each word he spoke, each deed he accomplished, each person he healed, he did so because God directed and empowered him to.

How can we follow his example?

Let’s start just with the way he loved people. 

Are we moved with compassion and love to the degree he was when he saw the multitudes? Or do we judge people by all the outward appearances and separate them into us and them categories?

I am pretty sure there were people in those crowds, which Jesus looked on with compassion, who were not necessarily the most outstanding members of society. We might not want to associate with some of the people Jesus loved so freely. And there some of those folks we might not want to show up in our churches.

But Jesus saw the worth and dignity of everyone he came in contact with, regardless of their social status or how much of a saint or sinner they were. 

Take an honest look at yourself. What is it in your heart that hasn’t yielded to Christ? 

Text me your questions or comments.

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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.

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