John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

It has struck me in the past, and it still seems remarkable, that Jesus said all the things following this, including accusing people of being children of the devil, (verse 44) to people who believed him! It is clear, particularly reading John, that Jesus wasn’t out for numbers for the sake of numbers. He wanted – and still wants – everyone to be saved, but lowering the standards has never been part of the picture. Quite a few times Jesus said things that seemed designed to chase people away. Jesus wasn’t interested in merely social followers, which is particularly pointed in this era of social media and people seeking as many followers as possible. Like Jesus, we need to be focused on genuine commitment, and not, like was said at the time of the American Revolution, the “summer soldier and sunshine patriot.” And of course, that requires that we examine ourselves as well. If we are critical of others and yet excuse our own sins, it will not go well for us! That’s why we should rejoice at challenges to our faith, because they allow us to see ourselves more accurately, to evaluate our own priorities and our commitment to the Lord. Frankly, such rejoicing isn’t easy! Also, we are not to give up on ourselves, even when we realize we have been less than faithful. We need to remember Peter, who denied three times that he even knew Jesus, but after repentance, went on to become one of the pillars of the early Church. As Paul said, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13) The fact that we’re concerned about it is a good sign! We need always to walk in humility, remembering that in ourselves we don’t have the strength of will to be fully faithful, but being grateful that God is more than able to bring it about even in spite of us, if that is the choice of our heart.

A few years ago I had someone complain to me that I had been preaching too much on commitment, and “they didn’t find that word in the Bible,” and they wanted to hear more of “the Gospel.” A job change moved them out of our area not long after that, and I was frankly a little relieved! I need always to speak the truth in love, but I am not to coddle people with platitudes. Just within the past couple of days I was talking with a friend who is not yet a Christian, but they have obviously absorbed things from us over the years. They are dealing with a very painful case of shingles, and I said something about they should look forward to how nice it will be when the pain is gone. They replied, to my surprise, “And I should be grateful for how I have lived my life up until now without this pain.” I look forward to the day that they openly confess Jesus as Lord, but I can rejoice at the evidence that even now God is getting through to them! As I have shared many times, God has made my imperfections clear to me, but that makes me all the more grateful for His grace. I am to exercise the faith that He has given me, submitting my will to Him as He enables me to do so, and leave the results to Him.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all that You are doing in these days. Help me indeed rest, relax, and rejoice in You, focused on You and Your kingdom above and before all else, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!