All or Nothing
By Paris Renae
But showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. Deuteronomy 5:10
I think if you’re like me, you probably haven’t been tinkering in the garage forming a cast idol lately… but have you put others or other things ahead of your Father?
This takes honesty and soul searching to answer, a quick ‘no way’ is too dismissive.
Could it be when I fret over how much isn’t in the bank account and spend more time and energy trying to change or manage the money than I do with Him in prayer, in His Word, in service to Him – that I’m saying this is more important than Him?
Perhaps Facebook, novels or TV capture enough of us that we give God the leftovers?
At one point in Jesus’ ministry here on earth, a very wealthy young man inquired of Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus knew the man’s heart and mentioned about five of the Ten Commandments. The young man said he kept all those. Jesus then told him to sell all that he had and give to the poor then he would have treasure in heaven.
The young man went away sad, as he was very rich. Jesus’ disciples were astonished. If someone rich and “good” like this man wasn’t saved, who could be? Jesus lovingly replied to His disciples that those who have willingly left all for Him will receive much more in this age and in the age to come, eternal life.
Jesus does not say to you and me, “live in rags on the street.” He says, “be willing to heed My call.” Seek God, make Him most important, give the best of your day, your most precious time to your Father. Your reward now and forever will be great.
When God gave the Ten Commandments, number two was “You shall not make for yourself an idol.” He told us He is a jealous God, but He ended that commandment with our verse for today: to show love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
Oh, how easily we are distracted. Today join me in committing to giving God our most precious time, surrender whatever we put first and see Him redeem it immeasurably.
Oh, Father, we beg Your forgiveness for our short sightedness. When we put people, things or our time before You – nudge us Father, call us. Show us that when we surrender ALL for You, Your love will redeem our sacrifices beyond anything we can possibly attain on our own. Only You for us Jesus. As we seek to honor You, let our practice of “You first” touch other lives as well. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
For more encouragement, visit Paris at parisrenae.com.
© 2019 by Paris Renae. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Thursday, 01 December 2022.
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