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Day One
Wholehearted Allegiance
Scripture: Matthew 6:24; Matthew 12:25; Galatians 5:17–25
We sometimes believe that becoming a Christian means life gets better or easier, but the Bible says this isn’t true. In fact, we find ourselves caught in the middle of a war between the flesh we carry around every day and the Spirit who resides within us (Gal. 5:17–25).
When it comes to how our flesh fights, we can’t discount the overt temptations of lust or greed or vengeful anger, and we’re certainly not immune to these. We need to be aware, though, of the more persistent and subtle temptation to depend on ourselves in our daily lives.
These temptations come masked with nice names like self-sufficiency and independence and a solid work ethic. In truth, depending on ourselves means we’re turning toward false kings who we think will give us comfort, security, belonging, approval, validation, love, sexual gratification—but in the end they only take. They promise life but give death, the opposite of what King Jesus does.
Will we say no to all other kings, including self, because we trust in God alone and the King He’s set over us? Or will we concoct some mix of God and a safe, tangible plan B? This is our daily fight: whether or not we’ll hedge our bets, whether or not we’ll cultivate wholeheartedness.
We want to believe we can pledge allegiance to King Jesus and also throw our heart to human kings or human things. But the Bible is plain: one cannot love both God and riches (Matt. 6:24). A divided kingdom cannot stand (12:25). Jesus is our King, not merely a wise consultant we turn to when we need to know what to do. And a divided heart is actually not divided at all: it’s chosen sides. A divided heart is one that’s spurned God.
A heart focused on self can build a religious kingdom on good behavior but His way, Jesus said, is different entirely. Those who seek the kingdom of God seek Jesus as King, and cast all of who they are on His action: His rule, His protection, His direction.
How would you define allegiance? What does it look like to pledge allegiance to King Jesus?
About this Plan
Relying on ourselves sounds good. After all, if we just get a little more organized, a little more patient, a little more spiritual, our lives will be better…. Right? In this week’s devotional, Christine Hoover reminds us why relying on ourselves leads us to bow to the false kings of anxiety, control, and self-indulgence. Only when we bring our whole hearts to the true King will we find true satisfaction.
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