Transformational Thought
Slogans are everywhere. “Just Do It,” “Got Milk,” “M’m! M’m! Good!” and “Have it your way,” to name just a few. Christian slogans exist also, like “Let go, and let God” or “What Would Jesus Do?” To me the best slogan is short and simple: “Try Jesus.”
Many times we resist trying new things because we don’t want to let go of our routines … the old ways … our good old comfort zones. We fear that by switching to the new thing we might forever lose something valuable. We may fear looking awkward when we try something new, wary that others will judge the awkwardness or the change negatively. Or maybe we’re afraid of the amount of time and energy it will take for us to learn and master the new way.
But when it comes to THE way, the way to the Promised Land, the good life, truly abundant living … what the heck are we thinking? Why would we ever want stay in the old way (or to go back to the old way) spiritually … the way of the world … the way of conformed thinking and me-centered decision-making?
By “Trying Jesus” you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. And anyway, if trying Jesus isn’t what you want … Satan is always willing to take you back. The fruit of the flesh is what Satan is ready to deliver: insecurity, anxiety, lust, jealousy, strife, bitterness, feeling overwhelmed, hopelessness, loneliness, frustration, disconnection, emptiness. Wow! That’s just the dreadful beginning! Doesn’t just that thought of those send shivers down your spine, let alone reaping and living it?
I used to “try the world,” and the fruit of the flesh was what I reaped. I never want to go there again … nor would I wish it on my worst enemy. But here’s a certainty: you must serve one master or the other … Jesus or Satan. If you say that you are serving neither, then Satan has you right where he wants you. “Try Jesus” and you just can’t lose. In fact, you win every day … and forever!
Today, if you already haven’t, pray the prayer of salvation and accept Jesus Christ as your Savior (see the Spiritual Basics in the right margin). Remember how free and joyful you felt the first time you tried Jesus? If He is your Savior, now try Jesus as the Lord of every single area of your life. Make the decision to try Him daily in a very concrete and intentional way. Put Him first and you will be amazed at how differently you will view life and how freely you will live apart from the bondage of this world. Whether you “Try Jesus” or you stay with Satan is the most important and life-changing decision you will ever make, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I confess that I am a sinner, and I am sorry for trying to live my life without You. I need and ask for Your forgiveness. I know I cannot save myself. I need a Savior. I believe by faith, and not through anything I can do or deserve, that Jesus, your Son, died on the cross to be my Savior. I believe He paid the penalty for my sin for me. I believe He rose from the grave to conquer death, sin, and the separation from you that results from sin. I trust You, Jesus, as my personal Savior. I receive You as my Lord. I turn from my sinful ways. Oh God, thank You for Your grace in forgiving my sins, coming into my life, and being with me forever. Now help me make You the Lord of my life. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One I need to try all day, every day, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because I am marked out by him to give good news to the poor; he has sent me to make well those who are broken-hearted; to say that the prisoners will be let go, and the blind will see, and to make the wounded free from their chains, Luke 4:18
For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36