All Mine
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16
ME: Jesus, sometimes I feel like I am being pulled in several directions; it’s kind of like a tug of war. The world says one thing and You say something quite the opposite.
JESUS: No one ever said it would be easy.
ME: Is loving You going to be harder than what I am already feeling?
JESUS: You have not seen anything yet! I do not say that to scare you but to warn you. Dear child, stay in the Light of My Presence. The world is dark but “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” (John 12:46)
ME: Jesus, staying in Your Light will turn me into a cave-dweller. There isn’t much room for Christians to be out in the main-stream today.
JESUS: Says who? You are misinformed and that is simply not the truth.
ME: There is so much jealousy and disorder in the world today.
JESUS: You are correct and you cannot live in both worlds. However, your role, as My follower, is to tell others about Me. It may cost you but think of it this way: I gave everything for you by living as a man, then dying for your sins and living again. I ask you to hold nothing back from me. I desire that you are all Mine.
ME: That is a lot to ask.
JESUS: If it were not possible, I would not have mentioned it. I will equip you. “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18) Do you trust Me?
ME: Yes…
JESUS: Is that hesitation I hear in your voice?
ME: Can You give me an idea of where to start? What do You want me to do? I am feeling slightly overwhelmed.
JESUS: Talk to Me. Tell Me what troubles your heart. Seek My Face with a teachable spirit. Come into My Presence with thanksgiving, desiring to be transformed. Know this: I am not going to “fix” you. But I will be there when you ask for help.
ME: Whoa! …All that? But how…
JESUS: … Look, why are you concerned? I have already gifted it to you. It’s yours for the asking.
ME: Help!