A Whole Heart
Posted by Karah
Pause
Prepare your heart by listening to the song “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” by Jadon Lavik (I Have Decided to Follow Jesus [Single], 2011).
Think about a homework assignment, chore, or task you recently completed halfheartedly. What words might describe how you worked? Why did you put so little effort into it? Journal a few thoughts.
With that in mind, read Luke 9:57-62 in your Bible.
“But Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’” —Luke 9:62
Ask yourself:
After reading these verses, can a true disciple live a life characterized by halfhearted faith? Explain your answer.
What does wholehearted commitment to Christ look like?
Look at the excuses the people gave in this passage for not wholeheartedly committing to Jesus. What excuses do you give for halfhearted commitment? What things do you allow to get in the way of obedience?
Why is it important to understand that faith in Jesus is more than just a simple statement of belief? What do your actions and the way you live your life have to do with it? Explain.
Respond
Following Jesus is much bigger than marking off an item on a checklist or going to a weekly event at church. Jesus wants control of every part of your life.
Evaluate your life. In what ways does your life demonstrate a wholehearted commitment to Jesus? If the Holy Spirit reveals areas marked by a lack of commitment or obedience, confess them immediately. Admit to Jesus once again how much you need Him in every area of your life.
What steps will you take this week to follow your commitment with action? List two or three in the comments below.
The way you live out your faith is a witness to those around you. When people see that you truly believe Jesus deserves your wholehearted commitment, they will want to know more about the Savior you serve. Ask Jesus to remind you of this truth daily.
For further study, read Mark 8:34-38; Luke 14:25-33; Galatians 2:19-21; and Philippians 3:7-11.
Behind the Story
It may seem harsh that Jesus would tell a potential disciple to “let the dead bury their own dead.” But it’s most likely that this man’s father had not died yet. After all, would he be sitting around having a conversation with Jesus if his father was waiting to be buried? Ultimately, this man was procrastinating on following Jesus until a much later date.
The Point
Jesus calls His followers to wholehearted commitment
Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge for Girls, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions