Holding Back

Tom and I had dinner with a close friend one Saturday evening and as we talked about ministry, he told us about a message he had given recently. 

He said that people feel comfortable with giving 90% of themselves to their Christian walk.  They go to church, they may go to a Bible study or Sunday School, they may even put some money in for a tithe; but they hold back 10% of themselves - they withhold 10% of their will to other things.

The rich young ruler (Matthew 19) wanted to follow Jesus.  He had followed all the commandments all his life; he felt he was ready to follow Jesus.  Until Jesus told him to sell all he had then 'come, follow Me'.  The rich young ruler walked away - he couldn't let go of that 10% that held him captive and unwilling.

What is your 10% - the part that is holding you back from serving God, holding you back from being totally His?

Is it holding on to habits or activities you don't want to give up because you enjoy them so much?  Is it money or possessions that are more important to you than He is?  These things will fade away and will be of  no value in a very short time.  Is it always wanting your own way - controlling others so that you will look good?  Jesus doesn't try to control us, He allows us to make our own decisions.  Are you allowing past experiences that hurt you, or hardened you, keep you from experiencing freedom?  Are you allowing other people to hold you back from giving all?

We are not asked to give up everything to follow Jesus.  He is willing to take you 'just as you are'.  As you fall deeper in love with Him, you will find the things that were important to you at the beginning of your walk, no longer seem so valuable or important.   Possessions and dreams that were once important become of no value.  His love for us will always remain constant. After all, He loved us more than He loved Himself - He gave up His life for us.  What great love, what great sacrifice!

Are you 100% committed in your walk with Jesus?  Can you honestly look Jesus in the face and say to Him, "I am 100% committed to You, Lord."   I believe we can say He was 100% committed to us.

What is your level of commitment?

Blessings!