What would a life completely surrendered and devoted to God look like? We have so few modern examples I’m not sure we know anymore. I think we recognize it when we see it, but what would it mean for you and me to be totally consumed with Jesus Christ? Isn’t that what we want? When we surrendered our lives and will to Him, didn’t we expect to live the rest of our lives serving Him and Him alone?
The commitment didn’t last. I know this because as I look around the world and at the country in which I live, I see scores of nominal Christians who confess their Creator with their lips but deny Him with their lives. I do it every day.
I want to be consumed. I don’t want to do, say, or see anything contrary to the will and pleasure of God. My focus every day needs to be Him and Him alone. It is my deepest desire, yet like Paul, I do the things I don’t want to do and I don’t do the things I know I should (Romans 7:15). Sometimes I wonder if it’s even possible to live a Christ-filled life until I remember it is to this He has called me. Nothing is too difficult for God. No obstacle of holiness in my life can withstand His presence.
It’s one thing to intellectually understand God can destroy any struggle or stronghold in our lives, but it’s another thing altogether to give Him permission to do so. We’ve been granted the amazing gift of free will. God gives us the choice of serving Him or serving ourselves (which is really serving Satan, but it’s far less comfortable to say what is true). He wants to be Lord of our lives. It’s for this reason Jesus came to die on our behalf. The trouble is we don’t necessarily want Him taking up residence in our lives. We like some of the things the way they are.
Being consumed by Jesus is a joyous but uncomfortable life. Jesus did not come for your comfort, your entertainment, your security, your bank account, or your status. Jesus came because He loves you and wants you to join Him in the mission of restoring the world to be the Kingdom of God, just as it is in Heaven (Matthew 6:9-10). Too often we make the mistake of trying to build a good life without giving much thought to what God might want for and from us. Our purpose, our existence, is to build the Kingdom and bring God glory.
If we are going to live a life wholly devoted to God, we’re going to have to get over ourselves. In fact, we’re going to have to forget about ourselves. Life is all about God; it’s not about us. We should be awed He chooses to partner with us in building His Kingdom. He didn’t have to do it this way; He chose to; He chose you, and He chose me. Our only response should be to pattern our lives after His and be on the constant lookout for ways we can serve and bring glory to God. I want to be consumed. How about you?