Today I read the coolest comparison to Jesus' calling...in a way I would have never correlated. It was the comparison of a lyric in the love song "Smooth" by Rob Thomas and Santana (circa 1999 or so)....
"Give me your heart.
Make it real.
Or else forget about it."
I read this in the book "One.Life" by Scot McKnight, a book I highly recommend to my generation. FANTASTIC.
Anyway....the analogy was used to describe the seriousness of Jesus' words. The author described how often times people will "soften the blow" of Jesus' words. Either to decrease the importance of the words coming from Jesus...as in they mean the exact same thing coming from you or I, or another God....or....(for those who believe it matters that they come from Jesus) to imply that Jesus isn't serious when He says them. The author goes on to explain that Jesus is extremely serious...and an example is found in the story of Matthew 19:16-22...when Jesus tells the rich man that in order to enter the eternal life he must follow the commandments, sell all of his possessions, and then "Follow ME."
I agree with the author....that sounds pretty serious.
The song was written from a man to a woman....asking for her to trust him with her heart, her love, and be real....or to just forget about it. Pretty sure anyone in love has the same attitude. Why waste my time, my heart, my love on someone if they don't commit the same amount back? So....applied to Jesus......
The lyric is soooo fitting. "Give me your heart." .....We know that Jesus wants our hearts. He tells us time and time again. The part we don't get as easily is ...."Make it REAL." We know we are forgiven 70 times 7. We know that He will NEVER fail nor forget about us. So... is that why some of us don't make it real? Or....is it because we are afraid to commit...afraid of what it entails....or afraid because we don't really believe He is real?
hmmmm...
and then...."Or else forget about it."....that one is hard to read, right? It seems to imply that God is done with us....throwing up His hands...if it's not the way He wants it.
Well..... :/
What I love about this entire segment is it brings accountability. Yes God loves you, yes He will never forsake you, and no matter how wrong you are, He is always there waiting with loving arms. That does not mean He is naive. It does not mean He isn't saddened by noncommittal hearts. He calls each of us, asking for our entire being....not just a piece here or there....our entire hearts. Choosing not to give that to Him is as bad as not giving of yourself at all.
What I'm saying is that God is serious when He calls us to Him....He wants it all or nothing. He doesn't have time for games...for back and forth....for bartering. He makes all of this very clear. So when you are having a hard time with what God is calling of you..or when you don't want to hear it....or..when you are afraid of what it all means....read Matthew 19:16-22. Think about how often the Lord tells us to follow Him in the Bible. Ask yourself if you are truly giving your entire heart to Him. How can we truly follow Him, wholly and completely, without giving Him our entire hearts to guide us His way? It is impossible. Let go of whatever it is that is holding you back....pray about it....cry, beg, yell about it....but let Him know...and let Him handle your heart. It's the safest place for it.
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