Called To GreatnessSample

All In

We’ve started a tradition in our family that when my boys turn 18, I take them skydiving. And I’ve already made the leap with my oldest two! Each time, as we got to the jump site, we had to read through several pages of disclaimers and warnings to fully understand all the risks associated with jumping out of a plane at 11,000 feet with only a parachute to help us land safely. Each one of us took a deep breath, signed our name and prepared to board the tiny plane.

As we hopped on the plane, we knew we were fully committed. Once we were in the air there would be no turning back – we’d be All In. So when the plane reached the full altitude, the door swung open, one at a time we each stepped out on a 2’ x 2’ platform and fell forward out of the plane and raced toward the earth at 120 mph. It was amazing – both terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time.

Talk about belief; talk about confidence; talk about courage and commitment. Some would call us crazy (and they’d probably be right!). Being All In requires belief, faith, and action. If you don't put what you believe or trust into action, it’s meaningless.

Being All In will often require taking a risk as well. It will push you out of your comfort zone and your ability to control every circumstance. Many things in life will be beyond our control, so it’s a good idea to get used to it and start developing your faith.

We will do almost anything for what we believe in deeply. We will make sacrifices, work harder, and do whatever it takes for something we truly believe in. In Colossians 3:17, Paul talks about being All In.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

In our culture, it can be challenging to be All In for Jesus. For some reason, men and boys who are sold out for their faith are seen as soft. But being All In for Jesus takes incredible strength. It doesn’t mean we lose our competitive edge; it’s quite the opposite. We now want to win in ways that really matter.

Jesus is telling us to be All In. Our homes and communities need us as fathers and sons to be All In. When we believe deeply that Jesus gave His all to save us, we give our all to live for Him.

So let’s show our love for Jesus by being All In and hold nothing back.

Take Action

1. What does it mean to be All In for Jesus?
2. Read Galatians 2:20 after this devotional. How can this verse help you surrender everything to Jesus?
3. What areas of your life are you holding back and struggling to give Jesus control over? List them here. Share the list with each other. Pick one thing together that you can take action on.

Father, help us to be All In. Grow boldness within us to share our growing faith and serving others. Help us use everything we’ve got – our time, energy, money, words – for the benefit of others and to build Your kingdom. Amen!