Leading & Learning

Do you ever flip through television channels? Well, I don’t very often (mostly because I honestly believe that it takes testosterone to operate a remote control). But the other day I happened to be folding some laundry and decided to see what was on in order to make the chore a bit less routine. Somehow or another I ended up being intrigued by the “World Poker Tournament” I came across. I now know of at least three men who have played professionaly and I find that pretty interesting. I have never played the game personally, but obviously it’s becoming quite the “sport” (?)

I watched as a sunglass-wearing, straight-faced young man declared he was “all in.” It must have been a big deal, because the commentators went on and on about how strategic a move it was. Well, I didn’t stick around long enough to find out what happened — yep, I kept flipping! But I found myself thinking about it again while I was at church this Sunday. (sorry Rob!)

Rob was preaching on Romans 12 talking to us about our bodies being a “living sacrifice” and exhorting us to consider how God had gifted each of us to serve the Body of Christ. That’s when I thought… am I “all in?” Have I really given Him everything I have?

Knowing nothing about poker, I looked up the term on wiki. Apparently when the player goes all in he is betting everything he has. But here’s the catch: he can’t win any more than he has from any one player. So, in essence, he “caps” the pot.

What more do we gain by going “all in” for our Savior! He promises that our return will come back many times. We may not see our return this side of eternity, but it is a SURE THING!

For years I’ve struggled understanding the verb “abide” in the Christian vernacular. I’m not sure why. The word makes sense to me in other contexts. For instance, I am a “law-abiding” citizen! So this morning I happened to be spending some time in John. John 15 to be exact.

I know the Lord has got a lot more “pruning” to do as I continue to strive to remain in Him. But my desire is to be a Christ-follower that is not only faithful, but also fruitful. He has promised that if we remain in Him our joy will overflow! I know that I must consistently spend time with Him in order for this to happen. For me, it’s too easy to fall into a busy routine and focus on other things. That’s when I catch myself too… reacting to a crisis in the flesh, forgetting to put people before projects, forsaking balance in my life, feeling depleted and empty at the end of the day.

What an encouragement it is that Jesus considers us a FRIEND! I know I can go to Him any time, anywhere in oder to get centered and remain in Him.