MikeD

This morning, as I sit before getting ready for church, a question as of late keeps running through my mind that I can't get away from. A stirring question that seems to capture the essence of my living completely for Jesus Christ, or not. Yet, as redundant as the question may be, I can't help but ask, IS IT WORTH IT???

There's no doubt, I see all the world has to offer. Yet, for Christ's sake, I'm asked to leave it all behind. After looking at scripture one could honestly ask, why "invest" in so much that will one day be burned to nothing. Why "invest" in things that will only bring emptiness. Only trouble is, the "flesh" keeps SCREAMING, yep, gotta have it. Why? Well, because I want it, period! The flesh can be so persuasive.

There's no doubt, one has to work for a living. This I do believe in. I"m given the responsibility of providing for my family and also being a good steward of what the Lord has blessed me with. Tho' I may have been a horrible failure in this aspect, the Lord still seems prone to bless me and keep me in all my endeavors.

The Word goes on to tell me, for His sake, the world will HATE ME! I can't think of a single person in this world who would enjoy the idea of someone else hating you. That, in itself, is a burden I can't quite put my mind around. I like to think, I'm an ok person, somewhat likable, and have a good nature, or so I think. Yet, to consider someone "hating me" simply because of how I believe in Jesus Christ. I simply say, well, that's not fair! Oh, how many times have I heard, well, the world isn't fair!

In life, I/we, give ourselves to, as I mentioned previously, endeavors that seem to be no end. Work, learning, existing, staying ahead of the "tax" man, keeping ahead of the grass, and the list goes on. Is there actually a purpose in all this? Or, am I just working to put myself, as some would say, in an early grave? Then, this "Jesus" guy comes along and tells me, give all to me and I will give you rest. Well, maybe, but, rest from what???

Obviously, I have come to discover, if nothing else, the REST that Jesus promises me, if for nothing else, REST FROM MYSELF! We've all heard the statement, we have seen the enemy and the enemy is US! How so very true in my own life. I degrade myself, call my self stupid, completely degrade myself to the point that I almost believe it. Well, at least I did. When one day comes along and my wife tells me, to my face, " I wish you would STOP putting down my husband!!" How I thank God for wives who love the Lord and are committed to "us" no matter what.

I tell myself, all life just seems to be a "rambling" of one thing to another. Some I control, most I don't. So, what's the point? And I do ask you Lord, is it truly worth it??? Worth selling out myself and following You, NO QUESTIONS ASKED???

I read in a book once, can't remember what is was, but the author simply stated, on SECOND truly in the presence of Jesus Christ is worth ALL the struggles, heartaches, pains, and troubles of this life. After contemplating that statement for a minute, a SECOND isn't very long. Yet, a true second in the true presence of Jesus, would be something to encounter. However, I've come to discover from the Word, Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, desires a WHOLE LOT more time with me than just a second. Thus, in the peacefulness of quiet times, I seek to be in His presence. He never seems to disappoint me. No startling lightning bolts, shouts of thunder, magnificent exploding beams of light, just a quiet reassurance of His presence and a continuance of an unconditional acceptance WITH JOY of WHO I AM!! Mainly, I AM HIS CHILD!! I tell myself, Lord, I don't deserve this! I KNOW who I am, what I've done. All I seem to do is RUN from you yet, you tell me, you accept me UNCONDITIONALLY!! WHY!! All He says is, because I love you, that's why.

A "child" is prone to wonder, experience, be curious, seek things on his own. Yet, through it all the "parent" is always there to guide and teach. Thus my life is in the Lord. Only trouble is, teaching myself to LISTEN!!

So, in asking, IS IT WORTH IT! Considering where my/our eternity will be spent, I do believe I can honestly say, yes, it's worth it. Only trouble is, with an adversary seeking to devour me at any moment, is it worth it here in THIS life as well? That one, I'm still working on and He's working His answers in me - FOR HIS GOLRY!! Not mine.

More to come.............