WEDNESDAY WORD OF THE WEEK: "STRIVE" (POST #4)

Isn’t that what it’s all about?  If you want a thing, you work hard for it, and every measure of hard work mandates sacrifice.  The bodybuilder can’t eat a box of donuts and the salesman can’t sleep in on the weekend.

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So, the Wednesday Word for the Week is STRIVE!

Luke 13:24, “Work hard to enter the narrow door to God’s Kingdom, for many will try to enter but will fail.” (NLT)

It is an absolute fact that we are saved by grace.  In other words, our salvation isn’t on the basis of our worth, works, or record.  Rather, it’s active in the lives of the believer by no other justification other than the love of God.  This means that I have the hope of heaven in my life, not because of my living; rather, I have it because of His love.   

But here’s an additional and very important fact:  yes, salvation is His gift, but it comes with a price of sacrifice.  That is I have to give up my own will and my own sinful desires, so that I might take on the will of my Heavenly Father.  In doing this, I not only forsake my desired action, but I subsequently must also abandon my active desires. 

I (like everyone else) have desires within me that are not conducive towards the life that He has for me.  He says forgive, when I seek the grudge.  He says try, when I want to quit.  He says believe, when I think to doubt.  And He says love, when I’m inclined to hate.  Yes, He gave a gift, but this gift has a cost, and He graciously ask, “Kevin, after all I’ve sacrificed for you, what are you willing to give up for Me?” 

Isn’t that what it’s all about?  If you want a thing, you work hard for it, and every measure of hard work mandates sacrifice.  The bodybuilder can’t eat a box of donuts and the salesman can’t sleep in on the weekend.  They have goals that mandate commitment, and the difference between those who want it and those who talk it, is their willingness to strive. 

Christ informs me that Heaven is a prepared place for all; however, here’s a tough reality, all aren’t prepared for it.  After the sacrifice of His life, we stand disillusioned concerning our inescapable need FOR US to sacrifice for Him.  His giving can’t be beaten; however, his commitment must be imitated. 

Know this:  “If Jesus Saves, we must STRIVE!” 

Your thoughts?  Let me know below.  Peace and love family.

Imperfectly,
@kevindjonessr