From “How to become a Christian”: Chapter 23 – Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ – Some introductory points
Becoming a real Christian is similar. It must involve a serious and genuine commitment to become a devoted disciple or follower of Jesus Christ, in every part of our lives. We cannot be just a fan or spectator. When we make that decision to follow Jesus we need to do so in the way that He meant us to. Jesus wants us to do far more than simply agree with Him or even believe in Him. He also wants us to hand our entire lives over to Him and to follow after Him with total commitment:
When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.
Luke 5:11 (NASB)
For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him………
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV)
That type of commitment is what we need if we are to get mature and become sanctified. And it is largely on the basis of our commitment that we can qualify to be rewarded by Him at the Judgment Seat of Christ. It is also how we stay loyal to Jesus and continue as His disciples.
God is looking for men and women that He can rely on and who will, if necessary, stand alone and obey God even when times are hard and dangerous. But such people are very rare:
“I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.
Ezekiel 22:30 (NASB)
I am reminded of a famous quotation from D.L. Moody, a 19th century evangelist concerning the rarity of real commitment and the fact that even the most committed believers are not 100% committed:
“The world has yet to see what God can do with, and for, and through, and in, and by, the man who is fully and wholly consecrated to Him. I will do my utmost to be that man”. (D.L. Moody)
I don’t suppose that even D.L. Moody quite managed a 100% score in the end but, judging by the extraordinary fruit that his life produced, he did very well. Why don’t you accept that challenge in your life? Resolve to do away with anything that distracts you from your central purpose of obeying and following Jesus Christ as His disciple. Bear as much fruit for Him as you possibly can. Let that become your lifetime goal and your central focus. Keep it always at the forefront of your mind.
