In Luke 9:62, Jesus made this statement about the strict conditions of discipleship: “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” In other words, the kingdom of God belongs to those who practice unconditional allegiance to the priorities and values of the kingdom. I can think of two that are inseparable: loyalty to Jesus, the King, and a commitment to the total wellbeing of everyone I meet. Let’s consider the second one first and practice some self-confrontation.
If my commitment to the total wellbeing of every person I meet is open to challenge, which is to say, if there’s even a slight chance I could be tempted to set it aside — doesn’t that instantly demand an answer? What on earth is my hang up? What in me is still so blind, so duped, that a moment of retraction is even conceivable?
Now let’s self-confront along the same lines regarding our commitment to Jesus.
If my loyalty to Jesus is open to challenge, which is to say, if there’s even a slight chance I could be tempted to set it aside — doesn’t that instantly demand an answer? What on earth is my hang up? What in me is still so blind, so duped, that a split second of deviation is even conceivable?
Think of this: among the millions of redeemed souls in heaven, is it possible that there could be one, just one, who could be tempted to turn away from the Lord? And if not there, then why here?
With that in mind, make this following pronouncement a life-or-death resolve:
Let conditional loyalty encircle me, beckon to me, deride me,
let it be rendered conventional in virtually every heart.
But never in mine.
