Daily Dose 4-5-12

Luke 11:23 (MSG) "This is war, and there is no neutral ground. If you're not on my side, you're the enemy; if you're not helping, you're making things worse.”

The Message Version of this scripture puts the words of Jesus in pretty unarguably clear perspective. Complacency and neutrality are not options once you choose to follow Jesus. You either believe Him, follow His path and work for Him – or, you are trying to destroy Him. Jesus does not call us to follow Him and then expect to compete in our schedule. We cannot expect to attend a weekly worship service, toss some money in the plate, write another check for a good cause, avoid doing anything “really bad” and pray when we are stressed and think that is the equivalent of following Christ. He expects more, and certainly deserves more. We think that by trying to look like the American picture of a church-going Christian, we are following Christ. Could it be that when Jesus looks at the picture we have painted of what Christianity looks like, to Him, it appears like a surrealist painter’s view of a distorted reality? From His words in Luke 11:23, it seems that picture may be a flag and battle cry for satan’s victory. Take some time today to look at opportunities around you from His perspective. Are you following Him or fighting Him – there’s no other option, it’s one or the other! Choose to follow!

Dear Jesus, I say I am a follower, but my path seems very crooked behind Your straight steps. Your words in this scripture are piercing. I would never intentionally fight against You, but my actions may speak otherwise. Give me Your eyes today and Your courage to follow and fight with You, not against You! I love You! Amen