What’s holding you back?
I’d like to ask you a question and it’s ok if you struggle with it. In fact, I hope you do struggle with it. I hope the answer doesn’t come easily but instead motivates you to spend time in prayer, asking Him for the answer.
The question is, “What’s holding you back from being more dedicated to the cause of Christ?”
Simon and his brother Andrew were fishermen in the sea of Galilee. They were meeting their family’s needs and providing fish for the local marketplace. That’s a good thing. But notice what happens when Christ calls them.
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. Mark 1:17,18
The same account in Matthew 4:20 says, “They straightway left [their] nets, and followed Him.”
Let this sink in: they walked away. They had been fishermen from a young age, their father having taught them the trade. Society expected them to be fishermen. They expected it of themselves. But when Christ called them, they were able to walk away.
Today, there are young men who could do much for the cause of Christ but they don’t, because they can’t walk away from their videogames. They can’t walk away from wasting their money on the newest gadget, the newest iPod, iPad, laptop, HDTV screen, the latest fad. There are young women who could do much for the cause of Christ but they don’t, because they can’t walk away from their fairytale movies & silly stories. They can’t walk away from being dreamy and living life superficially. There are dating couples who could do much for the cause of Christ but don’t, because they can’t walk away from each other. They can’t walk away from the bliss of romance and having someone to hug. There are parents who could do much for the cause of Christ but don’t, because they are tied down with work & pursuing a specific lifestyle. They can’t walk away from trying to be like ‘the Jones’ even at the cost of debt. There are church-goers who could do much for the cause of Christ but they don’t, because they can’t walk away from the ease of being a ‘benchwarmer’. And there are hundreds of young people who find they can’t walk away from being addicted, accepted, lazy or online.
Do you feel like you can’t walk away? You feel that way because you can’t. You can’t do it alone.
And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:27
It is possible to walk away. It is possible to dedicate your time, money, mind & life to the cause of Christ. Ask yourself, “What keeps me from praying more? Studying more? Volunteering more at church?” Guys, ask yourself: “Why am I pursuing what I’m currently pursuing? How do my current objectives have a direct effect on the thousands who have never heard the Gospel? And what keeps me from trying to meet that need? Why is it the other guy who is missionary-minded and concerned for the lost world? Why not me?”
What’s keeping you back from setting “your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Col 3:2)”?
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I love to read your blogs, Daniel! This one is so well put. Thanks for the encouragement to think and apply.
I hope you’ll blog more often. Your blog is worth reading.
Things, Bro!
Thank you Angela, glad it was a blessing.