Invitation: Pick Up Your Torture Device?নমুনা

How much have you been considering yesterday’s history lesson concerning the meaning and context of a cross mixed with Jesus telling us to pick up ours to follow Him? Roman citizens would think it outrageous to carry around a cross, an execution device, but that’s exactly what Jesus asked his first-century followers (and us) to do. While we don’t face the same persecutions the disciples endured, we do have a unique set of problems in our modern day. Even today, Christians in various parts of the world face danger and death because of their faith. Many more believers are labeled as hypocrites and closed-minded fools on social media, in schools, and on job sites. I understand how this reality can be confusing because I, as a Christian, also wonder who some of my fellow believers represent when I see their actions and hear their messages push against God’s expectations. I also look in the mirror and know that my actions sometimes make an invitation to follow Christ unappealing.

Have you looked around at the various factions of people and wondered who the real Jesus-followers are and how to separate the Pharisee and Sadducee types from the people with true relationships with the Savior of the world? How can you know someone’s heart if it’s different from the words they speak and the actions they take?

If you ask these questions, can you imagine how the unsaved feel? They look at us who say we are Christians arguing among ourselves and say, “No thanks.” When we appear so confusing and then, in our attempts to meet the Great Commission, mix in the old covenant thou-shalt-not rules and with the new covenant of picked-up crosses, who in their right mind would be open to joining such a group?

I still am. If you’re still reading, I think you are, too.

We must recognize that no one is worthy of the mercy God extends through Jesus and His sacrifice on His torture devise, the cross. Some of us feel we are not worthy because of our past thoughts and actions. We struggle to realize that God’s forgiveness is full and forever. Others of us are full of pride and self-importance, thinking that we are doing well enough as we keep Jesus at arm’s length, careful not to let Him lean in too close. Either scenario comes from a small but powerful insecurity. Are you unsure of your worth because you are insecure and unable to trust Him? Are you overcompensating with pride in your gifts and talents because you are insecure about those skills?

Also, the Bible clearly states that not all people are worthy. Psalm 14:1-3 in the New Living Translation says the following:

1 Only fools say in their hearts,

“There is no God.”

They are corrupt, and their actions are evil;

not one of them does good!

2 The Lord looks down from heaven

on the entire human race;

he looks to see if anyone is truly wise,

if anyone seeks God.

3 But no, all have turned away;

all have become corrupt.

No one does good,

not a single one!

Once we see how we fall short and fall into sin, we can know God’s love and forgiveness more completely. Then, sharing the invitation becomes easier, even when that invitation involves times of walking into pain and hard decisions.

Think about when God carried you through a time of trial and remember the peace of resting in His care. Isn't that the most comforting and revelational feeling in the world? When you know that you don't deserve His care, but He provides it anyway, you want to share that experience with people so that they can also feel His love surround them in their moments of pain and triumph. Your soul's security makes bearing your cross worthwhile.

Join me again tomorrow to explore why we depend on our relationship with Christ and how to extend the invitation to others.