Mixture

 In my prayer journal I have written down something I came across some years ago. I don't remember the source, but it is a sobering statement. A statement that confronts us as to our motives in ministry and in our lives for Him. It reads, "When we stand before Him, He won't ask, 'Were you accurately estimated? Were you appropriately recognized? Were you sufficiently applauded? Instead, He'll ask, 'Did you love Me? Did you love others toward Me? Did you obey Me? Did you submit yourself to My will and My word? Did you live for what I died for?" 

So much of our devotion to Him is a mixture. We sincerely want to have the right answers to the second set of questions, but at the same time, our flesh yearns for some part of the first to be realized as well. What determines which prevails in us? The answer is daunting, even terrifying. It's the cross. His cross. Without it, we'll always yield at some point to the allure of recognition and reward. It's who we are, and who we are will only be vanquished, crucified, at the cross of Christ. 

The first set of questions magnifies us. We're the focus. The second magnifies Him. He's the focus and center. The second set pierces us at the center of our being. We can't avoid or escape the truth they seek. Devoted love and obedience for and to Him, as well as to those He loves who at the same time can be exceedingly unlovely. Total surrender to His will and His way. It is the experience of what was written in Galatians by Paul; "For I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me." That life is only lived out by way of the cross. 

The mixture I speak of happens when our kingdom collides with His. Scripture speaks of being double-minded and we see that clearly when our following and serving Him comes with a double motive; our being magnified along with Him. We're to live lives that give Him glory, not seek to share in it. We're born spotlight seekers. and we're not going to conquer that drive by our own strength. It will only be vanquished at the cross, and it will go there kicking and screaming. 

When John the Baptist saw that Christ's followers were increasing while his were diminishing, he said, "I must decrease so that He may increase." That will never happen by our own efforts. It happens when we surrender completely to Him and His glory and die to our desire for our own. That will never win the applause of men, but it will garner the praise of heaven. Which does our heart really yearn for?

Blessings,
Pastor O