all or nothing
"The Lord is our God, the Lord alone! Therefore, you shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength. Take to heart these words which I enjoin on you today." —Deuteronomy 6:4-6
When you ask people if they've given their lives to Jesus, they say "yes." When you ask if they evangelize, tithe, or read the Bible, they often say "no," as if evangelizing, tithing, or knowing the Bible were not essential parts of our commitment to Christ. This does not mean we must be perfect in fulfilling our commitment to Christ, but it does mean that we must make a total commitment.
The first of all commandments is: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength" (Mk 12:30). The Lord says the word "all" four times. However, most Christians seem to be surprised when you tell them "all" means all.
Christianity is all or nothing. Jesus died on the cross and gave everything for us that we might give everything to Him. If He's not Lord of all, He's not Lord at all. Jesus can save only our entire life and not parts of it. One-hundred percent is the only percent Jesus accepts. His kingdom can be purchased only by our "all" (Mt 13:44-46).
Prayer: Jesus, I give You all of me.
Promise: "Therefore He is always able to save those who approach God through Him, since He forever lives to make intercession for them." —Heb 7:25
Praise: Praise Jesus, "the Resurrection and the Life!" (Jn 11:25) "Praised be the Lord, I exclaim" (Ps 18:4). Alleluia!
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Clarity, Certainty, and Commitment.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, May 10, 2012
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