Have you 'gotten over' what Jesus has done for you?

One of my sons and I were talking about traditions in the church, a while back, and some of the messages that we communicate through those traditions. The conversation got around the huge problem of ‘easy-believe-ism’ in the American church today. As I was on the phone, sitting in the University parking lot trying to explain my point of view to my mom, it occurred to me that our walk with God is much like university life.

1. Before anything can happen you have to apply to get in.
2. Once you’re accepted you can register for classes.
3. In order for any learning to happen, you actually have to attend class AND do the homework.
4. Then after 4-6 years (depending on the amount of energy you put into it … hehe) you can graduate

What concerns me in the church today is that there seems to be a thought or teaching, that you can just ‘apply’ … simply ask Jesus into your heart and that’s it … you’re good. You don’t have to “Do” anything. While I fully recognized that there is nothing I could do that would make me more eligible for ‘saving’ than anyone else … like if we were all lined up and started jumping up to touch the moon, from our perspective some of us could jump WAY higher than others, but from the surface of the moon, all of our efforts would be completely imperceptible. But what Jesus’ says is not only the John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will live and not die” but He also says that IF you are His you WILL obey His commands.

John 15:9-17 (New International Version)

9 "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 IF you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends IF you do what I command. … 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.

And what are His commands? Basically Matthew 23:37-38

1. 1. Love God
2. 2. Love others

Forgive one another. “… I cancelled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had mercy on you?” Matthew 18:21-35 Serve one another. “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for Me.’” Matthew 25:31-46

Until we arrive at the pearly gates we will be taking ‘classes’ in how to Love God and Love Others. Those classes will take the form of unruly children, or a disagreeable neighbor, or unpleasant illness, or a cranky boss, but we will be given opportunities (tests per James 1:12) to exercise our faith. If we don’t pass the test, don’t worry we will continue to have them (tests that is) until we’re ready to move on to harder material … or until we get our diploma (die and go to be with Jesus forever).

In Jesus’ words, “I tell you the truth (He’s not lying or teasing.) anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the father.” John 14:12

Mike Napier was preaching at East Mesa Baptist Church this past week and his challenge to me, is my challenge to you. “Have you gotten ‘over it’ … have you ‘gotten over’ what all Jesus has done for you? Do you still feel obligated (in a good way, like the apostle Paul, Romans 1:14,15) to share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?” Have you ‘gotten over’ that overwhelming desire to do anything that He would find pleasing? I pray that God will open your heart and eyes to the people around you and that you will ‘begin classes’ today, begin learning how to better serve Him and others. And may God bless your efforts!!!