I’m convinced of something more and more as I grow in my walk with The Lord over the years. Something that I consistently need to be reminded of over and over again, even though I keep thinking “I’ll get it” sooner or later. Something that remains over a long period of time and proves itself to be true time and time again.
Nothing I’m about to say will be shocking or brand new information, but rather a reminder of what you and I need to hear over and over again.
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:30
We simply need Jesus.
We need more of Jesus.
And over time, we need to increase our love for Jesus.
Now before you or I go “yea yea I know that….duh,” do we actually know this in a way where we live this way?
Or are we caught up in the rat race of our culture and lives? Busy with productivity, responsibilities, families, workplaces, relationships, money, etc.
As a follower of Jesus, what drives you? “All the things” you are supposed to do as a Christian or an increasing love of Jesus?
Because at the end of the day, if we truly grow in our love for Christ, everything else will follow and will take shape the way God has designed it. We could be “just as busy” as we are today, but with our love for Christ increasing, we’ll go through live accomplishing exactly what God has called us to do. To love Him with all of our hearts, minds, strength, soul, and to love others and make disciples.
Are we making disciples? Are you making disciples? When is the last time you shared the Gospel with someone? When is the last time you led someone to Christ and then invited them into your life to disciple them?
I know those are tough questions for me and for you, but they are necessary for us to keep asking ourselves. They reveal where our hearts truly are and what we are making most important in your life.
If that’s currently not Jesus, don’t beat yourself up. Repent and move forward. Ask God to increase your love for Him, read the Bible, pray, and start loving people well for the glory of God and for the good of others.
Let today be a reminder for you and for me that we simply need to increase in our love for Jesus more and more each day. And by doing so, our lives will reflect more of Jesus in everything and everyone we are involved with and God will be glorified.
I need God. I need Jesus. I believe what the Bible says and I am trying so hard to just trust him. The problem is I don’t FEEL anything. I don’t feel Love for Jesus, as badly as I want to. I don’t feel joy. I usually just feel frustration and sometimes I even feel depressed about it. Spending time with God, for me, is just spending time reading and/or talking because I have no EXPERIENCE of his presence. Knowing the information is not enough, believing is not enough to touch my heart.
Hey Roy, Thanks so much for sharing, really appreciate it! The fact you’re saying how you need Jesus is really incredible and says a lot of how He is working in you, because without Him, we don’t typically believe we have a need for Jesus. Sometimes following Jesus doesn’t always “feel” like the right thing to do because our hearts can mislead us and be deceiving to us as sinful human beings. I’d think through the question “who is Jesus to you?” and depending on your answer, that says a lot. For example, if He is everything to you, your… Read more »
Thanks for your reply mike.
I guess, first, I wonder how I can be saved and Indwelled by him and have a new heart and reborn spirit and still consider myself a sinful person with a deceitful heart. Then I guess I should clarify, I don’t have “bad days”, the days are all the same whee this is concerned. I rarely if ever experience joy or anything similar.
Hey Roy, here are some posts I’d strongly suggest you read as you think through those questions. As we follow Jesus and learn more about Him, we actually learn even more about our sinfulness and just how deceitful our hearts are, which actually make the Gospel that much more of a beautiful thing! Check these out:
How Can I Know I Am Saved? https://beforethecross.com/biblical-teachings/how-can-i-know-i-am-saved/
We Didn’t Choose Jesus, He Chose Us https://beforethecross.com/biblical-teachings/we-didnt-choose-jesus-he-chose-us/
7 Ways to Guard Your Heart https://beforethecross.com/biblical-teachings/7-ways-to-guard-your-heart/
Very cool site, Mike! Best wishes on your continued writing!
Thanks so much Chuck, appreciate you sharing!