For Jesus Only

Matthew 12:30 “He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters.”

HAVE you met someone and decided, “I will acknowledge her, but I will not put forth much effort to get to know her. I’ll even speak well of her, but I will not take time to be with her.”

It’s likely you’ve made some decisions similar to that about your acquaintances. You have nothing against them; nor do you have anything especially in favor of them. You have only a casual relationship with them.

Many have that attitude toward Jesus. They say they believe in him and even acknowledge his teachings as good lessons to learn and to know. We in the church speak of Jesus as Lord, Savior and friend. But are we determined to have a true personal relationship with Jesus? Or do we keep him in a neutral place in our lives, neither passionate for him nor strongly against him?

Jesus says that it is impossible to have such an arm’s length relationship with him. You must be for him, seeking his will and purpose and desiring him to be Lord and Savior over every area of your life.

Keep your heart focused on Jesus. Live a purposeful disciplined life that wants to walk in harmony with his will. After all, God never said, “Love me as much as you think good for you.”

The Lord Jesus rebuked this lukewarm attitude when he spoke to the apostle John from Heaven’s throne: Revelation 3:14 “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 16 So, because you are lukewarm - neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth. 17 You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” The church in Laodicea reflected the city’s wealth and self-sufficiency; yet Jesus exposed their true spiritual condition.

Jesus did not die to have a lukewarm relationship with you. The Savior wants his Bride, the church, to be rich in his blessings, righteous in his holiness.

If we are tempted to be lukewarm with Jesus, let’s remember God is eternally passionate for you. The Holy Son of God has come as a man to die for your eternal soul. Let him put his whipped, scarred arms around you. Feel his wounds in his side and hands. Then understand his loving desire is hot for you.

Jesus Teaches: There is only one way you can be with Jesus.