BIBLE IN A YEAR: Isa 40-43
TEST OF LOVE
MEMORIZE: "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier" (2 Timothy 2:4)
READ: Luke 9:59-60
“No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4). If you have truly made up your mind to follow Jesus, certain things must drop. According to Ephesians 4:22-31, you must put off the old man - the nature of sin; all levels of corruption, lies and lust must go. All categories of stealing, fraud, corrupt communication must go. Also, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, evil speaking, malice must go. Ephesians 5:6,11 further lists other sins that should no longer be a part of your life. Besides, some good and legitimate things would have to go. For instance some family ties may go (Luke 14:26). There comes a time you would have to choose between your husband, wife, child or parent and Jesus.
In fact, God may have you tested to determine the extent you can go with Him. As the last born of my mother, I was very much attached to her. We were about to have our Congress in December, 1979 at Ijebu-Igbo. I knew I would not be able to spend the Christmas with my mother so I decided to pay her a visit a day before the programme began. When I got home, somebody came out and said, ‘Thank God you came. Your mother is dying’. When I saw her, her condition was truly deplorable. She could not even recognize me. I spent that night with her. Meanwhile, the Congress was billed to start the following morning, so I was confronted with either to attend the Congress or stay to take care of my mother. By morning, I told her, “Mummy, I love you so much but I love Jesus more.
I have to go. When I return and you are still alive, fine. If not, glory be to God”. Little did I know it was a test. She still lived for another 11 years! According to today’s reading, it is good to love your wife, husband, mother, father, children, etc. But if they stand in your way to a more fruitful relationship or service for the Lord, you must put God first! If anyone or anything else is first placed instead of God, you have failed the test of love. God must be first in everything. If you do not want trouble for yourself, you must never love the gift more than the Giver. Do you love God above everyone else? Be prepared for the test! He will definitely try your love.
ACTIONPOINT: List 10 ways you have demonstrated your love for God. If you have not, go ahead and show Him you love Him supremely.
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