For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.    2 Co. 8:9

It’s hard to believe that the 2011 holiday season is coming to a close. The Christmas season is always one of my favorite times of the year, so I hate to see it come to an end. Spending lots of time with family and friends during this season is always fun and a huge blessing, but the past few years I’ve really tried to be intentional about celebrating Jesus, what He’s done for me and the unbelievable ways He is evident and present in my life.  

The verse above from 2 Corinthians has been a verse that I’ve spent a lot of time studying and praying over these past few weeks. This year, probably more than any other time before, I’ve really been blown away by the fact that Jesus loved each of us enough to not only suffer and die on the cross for us, but that he was willing to walk this earth for 33 years. Obviously the crux of Christianity is Jesus bearing our sins on that cross, but this verse reminds me that He literally became poor, spent 33 years on this crusty, dusty earth that doesn’t even begin to compare to heaven, with a bunch of people that wouldn’t listen to Him, all so that you and I could be reconciled to the Father. I don’t know about you, but that absolutely blows me away.

So this year, and for however many years God decides to leave me on this earth, I plan on fulfilling John 10:10 and living life to the full and making His name known every chance that I get.

Happy New Year!  

I was challenged by a couple of Mormon dudes the other night.  It was about 8:45 PM and raining and I was driving home from church.  On my way I drove past two young Mormon guys riding their bikes.  

Now, my beliefs don’t line up with the Church of Latter-day Saints, but I’ve always respected the fact that they are willing to devote two years of their life, (two years most of us spend partying and acting like idiots) and be totally devoted to spreading the message of Mormonism.  Two years. There are days where I’m not willing to give up 30 minutes to spend time in prayer and study, let alone two years.

How would our country and world look different if Christians were willing to devote two years of their lives to nothing but spreading the message and gospel of Jesus Christ? How would my community, family and church be different if I was willing to do that?

I’m not saying that all Christians should give up two years of their life to go door-to-door asking people, “Do you know that Jesus Christ loves you and died on a cross for your sins?”  But, everyone of us should be willing to, if that’s what God calls us to.

Matthew 4:19-20 says, “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they (Peter & Andrew) left their nets and followed him.

In verses 21-22 James and John have a similar experience, and it says, “...immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.”

Obviously these four men went on to do some amazing and radical things and helped found the church as we know it today.  But, it all started with them giving up life as they knew it and devoting themselves to Jesus Christ.  If we are willing to do that, he can do some pretty amazing things with our little lives.

The easy answer is that we should be using our life, whatever it looks like, to spread the message of Jesus Christ.  And we don’t have to give everything up to do it, but lately I’ve been asking myself, “Would I be willing to give up life as I know it if God called me to?”.  

While I hope and pray that the answer is yes, I don’t think you’ll be seeing me anytime soon cruising around on a 10-speed rocking the shirt and tie with a backpack.