For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”
Yesterday we learned much about the meaning behind conversion. In review, conversion is the process of not only accepting Christ to save you from sin, but to change you from a self-centered life into a relationship with God. Conversion involves turning away from evil deeds and false worship and turning toward serving and worshiping the Lord.
Pastor Jan Hettenga in his book. 'Follow Me' related the story of a conversation he had with a man he calls Jerry. Jerry had prayed the prayer to receive Jesus as his savior when he was 12. He messed up his life the booze, and had had two divorces and gambling debts, but he said to Jan "I've always been a Christian in my heart." Jan replied, “Frankly Jerry, from what you've been telling me, it doesn't look like Christ has figured in any of your decision making at all. I don't doubt that you love Jesus and your ex-wives and your kids whom you can't see because of a restraining order, but your story reveals to me that you love yourself a whole lot more than any of them."
"Well preacher, you sound just like my exes and my current live-in too for that matter. You don't know how I feel toward God and that's what matters."
"Sure, you have a sentimental soft spot in your emotions for Jesus but it has to be on the same level you have felt for your favorite teddy bear when you were a child. You act as if you are in the driver’s seat of your life. God just evokes a warm feeling but you have no allegiance to God. Jesus makes no difference in your decision-making process. He hasn't been allowed to change your behavior. God wants to be God. He wants Jesus to be your Leader. He designed you to function best under His direction. That is what the kingdom is all about. What if you were to give Jesus complete control of your life? What if you totally surrendered to Him? What if you began to follow Him as your leader what do you sense would happen?”
"I suppose I'd have to make my child-support payment and wouldn't be able to make the card game at the poker club tonight and I'd have to dump the bottle I've got stashed in the car, and I'd have to move out of Carol's place today."
They sat in silence as counted the cost of real conversion and repentance. Coming to Jesus Christ is coming to Him on His terms not ours. When Jesus calls us to His Kingdom, He is calling us to making him Lord.
Where do I change? Pastor Jan led him in the Lord's prayer, "Thy Kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Three years later Jerry has followed through on his surrender of control of his life to Christ. His life has changed dramatically. How about you?
Application: Is He Lord of our attitudes including the church, our parents, our children, our attitudes about mothers-in-law, our neighbors, other races, and other people in need materially, emotionally? What in your life takes precedence to Your walk with the Lord.
Prayer: Lord, help me to place my “self” as a living sacrifice for you. Help me to allow you to change my behavior in a way that is pleasing in your site in all aspects of my life – in my thoughts, my attitudes, my words and in what I do.
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