Drawn to the Gospel

For some people, being a follower of Jesus feels like adding a bit of religion to an already full life shelf. Others see it merely as a spiritual upgrade, a way to become a better person—or as someone once said to me, “Just popping a Vitamin Jesus on the weekend.”

But the Christian life is actually about completely surrendering ourselves to Jesus. That’s what believing in Him and becoming His follower truly means.

Jesus doesn’t ask us for just a few hours on Sundays, some Kingdom effort here and there, or the occasional day spent with fellow Christians. He asks for all of us. Our whole being belongs to Him. He’s not interested in merely trimming the overgrown parts of our lives or tidying up the edges. He’s in the business of uprooting our entire self—our pride, our desires, even the things we think are harmless—in order to plant something infinitely better: His own life in us.

Here’s how Paul puts it:

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” – Galatians 2:20

Christians are often described as being “in Christ” in the New Testament. It’s hard because it costs everything. But it’s also freeing, because we no longer carry the burden of saving ourselves.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, how easily the word “Lord” rolls off our tongues. Yet we forget that You call us to give our whole selves to You. Only when we surrender all are we truly whole. Show us the areas we still hold back, and give us courage to release them to You. Help us see again the glory of how You gave Your all—for us. Amen.

This devotion is sent weekly to staff during school terms. It has been lightly edited for a general audience.