John 2:23-25 describes most of us: “many believed in His name, when they saw His signs which He was doing. 24 But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, 25 and because He had no need that anyone bear witness concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man.” The text talks about many of us who have seen the truth of the gospel but are really not totally committed to Him. There are other things in our lives that we allow to have a higher priority than sacrificing our lives for His kingdom. We refuse to give up things, aspirations, relationships rather than loving sacrifice and walking with the King. One of two things are happening here:

1) You haven't been born again. “And by this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:3-4).

2) You don't realize what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. “26 “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (Luke 14:26-27)

You might say, “these are awfully harsh words Pastor.” Yes, but I didn't say them...I'm just a mailman delivering the mail. It's up to you to ponder and address what the Spirit is saying to you.

I recently heard a sermon by Alistair Begg where he said we American Christians have a soft, easy Christian life compared to most believers around the world. I know what Alistair was getting at in regard to our half-hearted, cushy, complacency, but I tend to disagree with the premise. I look at the fervor for Christ and His kingdom demonstrated by brothers and sisters living in poverty stricken nations...and then us...who live in affluence with so many opportunities to vest our lives in things and pursuits having nothing to do with God's kingdom. I say we have a huge challenge to “carry our own cross and come after Christ.” It means stripping down to the essentials of discipleship. Remember, I'm just the mailman delivering Christ's letter to you. My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, keep us focused on those things that have eternal value and not on those things that take us away from our commitment to You. Show us the worthlessness of so many things that grab our attention. Teach us Lord what it means to be a committed follower of Jesus Christ. Amen