Surrendering all to follow Jesus, contrary to popular beliefs, is much more than repeating some version of the “sinners pray,” joining and attending some local church, reading the bible, and spending time with others who do the same. Jesus did not tell us to do these things, instead what He did say to His disciples is, “Come, follow Me, “and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). When Jesus told this to Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew they immediately left their nets and followed Him. He found them where they were and asked them to leave their old lives and follow Him as servants of the kingdom of heaven. That is what He does with each of us who are called according to His purpose.
Conversely, Jesus had a very different message for those who refused to follow Him and chose to hang onto their lives in this world. “But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:24-30).
We are not called to build for ourselves Christian organizations, societies, institutions, etc. while here on earth. Once we are spiritually reborn (born-again) we become the light of this world, and although we live in this world, we are not of this world. We have not been granted by God the right to make decisions such as when, where, and who we should minister as this is the Master’s call. Thus, each day He will not only provide our daily needs, but also any and all resources needed for Him to do His work through us. We are simply servants standing by each day to hear and do “His will” and not “our will.” Therefore, rightly so, He alone will get all the credit as we are nothing without Him. What servant thinks that without permission that it is ok to go about spending his master’s time and money the way they think they should? We cannot do anything good in the eyes of God except for the things He does through our lives as we yield to His will.
Hence, if you are a true follower of Christ you must seek to serve the kingdom of heaven each day according to the will of the Father. Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away. So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous, and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered. Then He told them, “For this reason, every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” (Matthew 13:47-52). Be careful to serve the kingdom and not the world and its manmade system influenced through time and molded by the spirit of this world, Satan! Be fishers of men so the nets will be full on the last day and the Father will receive all glory and honor forevermore!
Conversely, Jesus had a very different message for those who refused to follow Him and chose to hang onto their lives in this world. “But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:24-30).
We are not called to build for ourselves Christian organizations, societies, institutions, etc. while here on earth. Once we are spiritually reborn (born-again) we become the light of this world, and although we live in this world, we are not of this world. We have not been granted by God the right to make decisions such as when, where, and who we should minister as this is the Master’s call. Thus, each day He will not only provide our daily needs, but also any and all resources needed for Him to do His work through us. We are simply servants standing by each day to hear and do “His will” and not “our will.” Therefore, rightly so, He alone will get all the credit as we are nothing without Him. What servant thinks that without permission that it is ok to go about spending his master’s time and money the way they think they should? We cannot do anything good in the eyes of God except for the things He does through our lives as we yield to His will.
Hence, if you are a true follower of Christ you must seek to serve the kingdom of heaven each day according to the will of the Father. Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the men pulled it ashore. Then they sat down and sorted the good fish into containers, but threw the bad away. So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous, and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all these things?” “Yes,” they answered. Then He told them, “For this reason, every scribe who has been discipled in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.” (Matthew 13:47-52). Be careful to serve the kingdom and not the world and its manmade system influenced through time and molded by the spirit of this world, Satan! Be fishers of men so the nets will be full on the last day and the Father will receive all glory and honor forevermore!
