All In: Faith Unfazed in a World of ChaosSample

One of the more unfortunate characteristics of our sin nature is that we often enjoy provoking others. Perhaps a more socially acceptable way of stating that would be that we like to push other people’s buttons. This is evident even at an early age. Kids can very quickly figure out what irritates their siblings. Office workers know what level of humming or tapping of the fingers can set off their cubicle neighbor.

If you are going to live an all-in faith in this chaotic world, the fourth thing you need to work at is provoking others. Now before you think that is a license to annoy your neighbor, what Hebrews 10:24 is telling us is to provoke for good. Live your life in such a way that you inspire or excite other people to do the same.

This verse in Hebrews also tells us to consider one another. Realize that life is not just about ourselves. We are to provoke, or inspire, others to love and to good works. When we are all-in for God, it is infectious. In a good way, other people are going to catch what we have.

This is a process that I see taking place in the young people of our church and schools. The older students are watching the leadership live all-in lives of faith, and they are encouraged to live the same way. The junior high and high school students watch the college students, and the process repeats itself. It brings me hope and excitement for the future of the work of the Lord.

Christian, if someone looks at your life, what will they catch? Will they come down with the “flu” of grumpiness, laziness, or a bad attitude? Or will the contagious excitement of an all-in faith spread like wildfire? Take some time today to take stock of how you are living.