Holiday Jesus

Well it’s that time of year to put away the winter stuff. Even Jesus.

Along with packing up Easter decorations and winter clothes in the spring, many people store Jesus until the fall. They’re fine without him. Just save Jesus for the holidays.

It’s easy to do. Once spring hits the yard, there’s a lot to be done—mowing, gardening, spring-cleaning, and weekends at the lake. Who’s got time for God?

There’s just one problem with that. Jesus asks, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”

What’s the benefit of having the best yard and garden, the cleanest house or the nicest place on the lake? Is it worth it if you end up losing your life in the process?

Well, hold on for just a minute. How can all that cost you your life?

Good question. Do you really want to know?

Life is about focus. What you focus on consumes your life. You spend your life to get what you want. And you can’t serve two masters at the same time. Jesus said that.

A relationship with God is about more than celebrating Christmas and Easter. It’s about more than worship on weekends. It’s about loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And loving your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said that, too.

God becomes your priority. Not just a pastime for your free time. You can’t fool him. He says, “Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”

Hey, if you want to spend your life pursuing power, wealth and pleasure, go for it. Just don’t expect much in the way of inner peace, eternal rewards or a lasting legacy.

Jesus, however, calls us to a different focus in life. He says, “Follow me. Take my yoke upon you. Learn from me.” And the life to which he calls us is a life of service.

Describing himself Jesus said, “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many.” And he calls us to follow him boldly.

When you follow Jesus, the rewards are much greater than the sacrifices. You will know the joy that your life is making an eternal difference. You will have peace that transcends all understanding. And you will feel so blessed you won’t know what to do!

True, the way of Jesus is not the way of wealth, pleasure or power. It’s the path of denying self. It may be the path of suffering and hardship. And it doesn’t appeal to everyone.

To follow Jesus, you must give up your rights in order to serve God and others.

Think Mother Theresa and not Martha Stewart. Billy Graham and not Donald Trump.

If your Jesus is a Holiday Jesus (or even a Weekend Jesus), don’t kid yourself that you’re a true Christ follower. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross DAILY and follow me.”

We can’t have it both ways. Jesus didn’t promise reward for a part-time commitment.

Take a good honest look at your life. What’s your focus? Is it all about you?

Ask God to show you a better way. Ask him to make your life count. If you’re serious, pick up a Bible and read the New Testament. Begin with the Gospel of John and keep going.

The purpose of the Bible is summed up in these words from its pages: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!