Following Judah's Lion

This Present Life

As followers of the Lord Jesus, we have never been promised the outward comforts of this present world. In fact, we have been promised persecution and we have been directed to moderation and even sacrifice. Throughout church history many Christians have suffered terribly, and many more have joyfully lived lives of contentment even without things that others have.

But we have been promised spiritual blessings that cannot be measured by the things of this world. What price can inward peace bring? How valuable is complete contentment in any and all circumstances? Of what worth is peace and contentment if all the outward struggles are gone and there are no pressures with which to be dealt? The defense of the gospel comes in two fronts - a Scriptural defense and a life that observably reflects Christ.

It is the latter which is often minimized or at least redefined with many cultural alterations. Is it not baffling how a group of people who claim to be completely changed and are inhabited and controlled by the Creator of the Universe, are not more remarkable in a culture of darkness? And that truth must have some reason behind it.

One compromise leads to another, and one dilution leads to more. So when the church embraces a little fox, another one comes calling. And before long the band of sinners who claim to follow Jesus live no differently than do their moral, unsaved neighbors. The only difference is that they speak differently, howbeit rather infrequently.

Let us define some terms. What does the word “surrender” mean in the context of a believer’s life? That word used metaphorically means to give up everything and lay down your own will. Now in military terms it usually comes by force. But in spiritual terms we surrender to the Lord Jesus willingly and with a loving passion. And in that surrender we find life.

Jn.12:25-26 - He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.
26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

Therein is Christ. He is not found in the lavish lifestyles of this culture. He is not found in the theatrical extravaganzas in evangelical churches. He is not found in the pursuit of earthly success. He is not found in the god of entertainment or sports. He is not found in self esteem and the elevation of men. In fact, in order to find Christ we must forsake this world and seek the eternal realm. And the door to that realm will open to those with a broken and contrite heart.

So what do you have that is valuable to you? And how do you measure what is valuable to you? Well, what consumes your time and thoughts?

Matt.6:20-21 - But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Where is your treasure? There will be your heart as well. The truth is that our life is with God in Christ. We are crucified with Christ, and this life must now be lived by the faith of the Son of God. Therefore there is no such thing as too much sacrifice or too much struggle. And extravagance or opulence is for those who have nothing but this life. But so much of the church is now about gaining money and things, and many teach the blasphemous idea of a monetary “seed faith” which is designed to bring to you all your fleshy desires, when in reality all it does is line the pockets of the false teachers.

But we, as the followers of the Lord Jesus, must not be so. We must be humble and moderate and measured in our earthly lives. We cannot allow expectation to birth disappointment. Our expectation is to one day see Christ, and our lives here should be lived to His glory alone. The description of being a “living sacrifice” is no hyperbole. And this kind of sacrifice is no hardship, in fact, it should be a joy and a privilege. Oh to be called to serve the Risen King! That is a glory that surpasses everything in this present world.

We must feed our souls on things eternal and on the presence of the Eternal Redeemer. The temporal things must be used and seen for what they are, but they must never be the driving force or even the sustaining force of our lives. Let your heart beat for Him. Let your mind be stayed upon Him. Let your mouth speak of Him. Let your hands serve Him. And do not be entangled with the things of this world, for it is impossible to please Christ with one hand and serve yourself with the other.

And in the midst of this pilgrimage, hold fast to the hope that lies within you. Keep yourself away from idols of all kinds, and guard your heart from greed and lust. Be quick to repent when you fail, and live a life full of praise and worship. Strive to pray always. Never let your prayer time suffer at the hands of this world’s carnal dictates. Witness often, and keep your heart broken and soft and reject all forms of self righteousness. Glory in the cross, and embrace your own cross as you die daily to your own selfish desires.

This life is a gift from God, and one day we will be required to give it back to Him. What will He see when your life is revealed before His throne? If you desire to glorify your Maker and Redeemer, then you must allow Him to live through you. But do not think that you will not enjoy that kind of selfless discipleship. In fact, it is that life alone that can satisfy the longings of a faithful servant.

I Pet.1:7-9 - That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Halleluiah to the Lamb of God and the Risen Christ!