What Are You Willing To Surrender?

A few months back, I wrote a blog about Champions do it whether they feel like it or not. I mentioned Olympic Gold medalist and record holder Michael Johnson who never missed a work-out in ten (10) years.  Never missed one day; rain, cold, sick or well - he had the determination and commitment to improve everyday. Regardless of what the obstacles or the hindarances were. He surrendered the "pleasures of this life" and the parties of friends to train.  The result was becoming the first man to win back to back 200 and 400 meter Gold medals as well as setting a WR in the 200.

As I considered that this morning, I thought about Jesus calling us to follow Him and what are we willing to surrender to follow Him. I just want to provoke thought, Peter laid down his nets, parked his boat and followed Jesus. Yet others made excuses; oh hold on, I need to bury my loved one, I need to go check on some land and even I need to check on some oxen I bought. They said they wanted to follow Jesus, but, on their terms-not His terms. How many times do we put God off because of the things we have to do? How many times do we put God off for a big pay day? How many times do we put God off to go explore what we think is a "better" opportunity?  I mean when we truly examine our commitment to God is He really #1 in all we do? Are we surrendering things that are important to us, or are we simply adding a "bit of spirituality" to the life we are living.

Jesus is clear, "those who seek to save their lives will lose it, but those who lose their lives for me will save them." I encourage you today to re-examine your priorities.  Now I am in no way implying that you are not serving God with all you have, that you are not going to Church every Sunday. No way! I'm simply asking you to re-examine your priorities; what are you willing to surrender today? Who are you willing to help? Who can you visit and sit with, read to, or feed today? Are there any senior homes, convalescent homes, jails or prisons where you live? What are you willing to surrender? Your feelings of how uncomfortable you are visiting sick people? Your feelings of how scary it is visiting a prison? What are you willing to surrender?

Jesus made one request of us: "Follow Me."  SO, what are you willing to surrender?  God bless you my friends.  Share this blog with friends or family - you never know who you may be helping.