Jesus Christ challenged his followers to stay away from their old and sinful lifestyles. He also asked them to faithfully follow him so that they can qualify to enter God’s kingdom. Jesus said,
“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, let him follow me; and where I am, there my servant will be also. If anyone serves me, him My Father will honor” (John 12:24-26).
Lesson:
It takes a serious determination for anyone to be a true child of God. Christianity is not a wishy-washy religion, and it is not meant for indecisive individuals that are not ready to fully follow Jesus Christ. Since Jesus himself proved thorough Christianity through his actual death on the cross (and resurrected), he would not entertain an un-serious Christian in heaven! Anyone who claims to be born again must be serious with his or her confession. The fellow must say “goodbye” to the old lifestyle and be ready to live a new life in Jesus Christ.
Christianity demands seriousness, and a true child of God must be willing to pay the price involved. Therefore, it is worth emphasizing that every Christian must take his or her Christian race seriously since heaven is not meant for mediocre, but it is designed for people who will not compromise their faith and confession of Jesus Christ as Lord. Big rewards are waiting for the serious Christians in heaven, but heavy punishments are waiting in hell for people who have compromised their faith.
Prayer:
Dear God, please do not let me be an un-serious Christian, but let me be a serious Christian who will be blessed in heaven! Let me take my Christian race seriously and let me run the race with seriousness. Please help me to overcome my limitations and temptations so that I will not disappoint you on the last day of judgment. Again, empower me to refute sin with the power of your Holy Spirit to declare me stand with you as your true child. Please do this and many more! For in the name of Jesus Christ I make my requests. Amen.
