TIME FOR A SHIFT?
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“I never have any difficulty believing in miracles, since I experienced the miracle of a change in my own heart.”
2Cor. 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
The following are 3 types of people that need a shift in their life. The fourth needs only to keep on keeping on with the passion they possess.
THOSE IN REVERSE
Matt 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
This verse is just a little peep through a window into a man's life who has the question, "what do I do to be saved?" Jesus rehearses the commandments with the young man. The man was probably relieved because he tells Jesus that he has had all that down from his youth. Jesus lets the man know that there is just one more thing. Give your riches to the poor, take your cross and follow Jesus! The man backed away into the mist of going his own way. Foolish!
THOSE IN NEUTRAL
Matt. 21:28 "But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go, work today in my vineyard.' 29 "He answered and said, 'I will not,' but afterward he regretted it and went. 30 "Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, 'I go, sir,' but he did not go. 31 "Which of the two did the will of his father?" They said to Him, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you.
The second son is the kind of individual that revs his engine, so to speak. He makes a big deal out his allegiance to the call of God. He is always getting ready. Always appearing to be making preparations to answer the call to service, yet never enlisting in true service to the King. Fraud!
THOSE IN LOW GEAR
Mark 14:54 But Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire.
Sadly, there are those who fall into this same category with Peter. Not willing to walk by Jesus side, but are miserable if they lose sight of Him. The cost of identifying with Christ can go up and there are those that just don't want to pay it. Perhaps most of us have gotten stuck in first gear. I can remember times that I certainly have.
I once lived up on the side of a mountain. The road going down from our house was rather steep. I never started down the road without pulling the vehicle into low gear. The reason is that I never knew when my neighbor's dog would pounce out in front of me and if I don't put the car in low, I have to ride the brakes. If I ride the brakes, they will wear out much quicker. Low gear is great for starting out, but I would hate to have to drive all the way to town in low gear!
It is one thing to start out slow in your pursuit of Jesus, but if we will become Christ's disciple, we must get into the yoke with Him. Playing it safe does not work. Fearful!
THOSE IN HIGH GEAR
Php. 3:13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Paul exemplifies living a life flat out. He threw caution to the wind! He has made the shift and has no use for reverse, neutral or even low gear! He represents the one that causes the eyes of the Lord to roam over the whole earth in search of a perfect heart. (2Chron. 16:9a) This kind of heart will always capture the attention of God. Fire!
THE SHIFT WILL DO YOU GOOD!
The Christian life and walk must shift in order to go all the way with Jesus. Even Paul recognized that he had not arrived. Isn't it comforting to know that if you are going after Jesus, there is NO condemnation. There is just that steady urging of the Holy Spirit to press on after Christ.
May our one passion become: That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, Php. 3:10
Is it time to shift to a higher gear in your life?
Every blessing!
—Tom