god's vomiting
"When he found one really valuable pearl, he went back and put up for sale all that he had and bought it." —Matthew 13:46
Many people don't want to put all their eggs into one basket. So they become "Christians" but still keep one foot in the world. This way, if Jesus isn't real, at least they haven't wasted their whole lives for Him. However, if Jesus is the meaning of life, they're at least church members, without losing the "fun" of the world.
This is the most common approach to Christianity in America. It makes Jesus feel like throwing up (Rv 3:15-16). Jesus died on the cross for us. He poured out every drop of blood and breathed His last breath for us. As we kneel before the crucified Jesus, we realize that it is sacrilegious to give Him anything less than everything.
The kingdom of God is like a buried treasure or a precious pearl (Mt 13:44-46). The cost of discipleship is everything. We may not have much, but we each have an all — and that all is what we must give. The first commandment is: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind" (Lk 10:27).
Prayer: Father, "give Your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge Your people and to distinguish right from wrong" (1 Kgs 3:9).
Promise: "We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His decree." —Rm 8:28
Praise: Praise Jesus, the Good Shepherd, risen Lord, and true God! Alleluia!
Reference: (For related teaching, order our booklet, The Challenge of Making Disciples in a Culture of Death or our tape on audio AV 97-1 and AV 97-3 or on video V-97.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 2, 2014
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