MAKE UP YOUR MIND

"Peter followed at a safe distance until they got to the Chief Priest's courtyard. Then he slipped in and mingled with the servants, watching to see how things would turn out" (Matthew 26:58, The Message).

Following Jesus at a safe distance really never pays. Peter tried it and he ended up weeping profusely. Half-hearted commitment to the cause of Christ will eventually bring bitter regrets. Slipping in and out of the flesh and mingling with the world, while at the same time expecting heaven to reckon with you as a servant or follower of Christ will not just work.

You've got to make up your mind at once and be ready to be known for what you believe. There is no point watching and waiting to see how things would turn out. Things could turn out either way, but what must be definite is that we are for Christ and Christ is for us; we are on the Lord's side and the Lord is on our side. All other issues are secondary. Whoever keeps watching to see how things would turn out before deciding for the Lord shall never be able to do the will of God. Remember, those who observe the wind will not sow and those who regard the clouds will not reap.

Whatever happens to us is not as important as what happens in us. We must never allow anything to dislodge Christ from our hearts, not even threats to our very existence. We must make up our minds to stand and live for Jesus all the moments of our lives in spite of the ridicules, persecutions or dangers such a decision may expose us to. Your friends must know where you stand on this Jesus matter, your enemies also.

The three Hebrew boys made up their minds and said, ‘we are following the Lord all the way through, even if that means we would lose our lives’. That is the spirit that gets heaven’s attention; that is the disposition that will attract the respect and endorsement of the Almighty. I am happy to note that they were not disappointed, and unlike Peter, their story did not end in tears. Rather, it ended in gladness of heart, in promotion and in the praise of the God of heaven who they had followed closely and openly.

Friends, it is time to get in the front and declare for Jesus. Following Jesus afar off or at a ‘safe distance’ is not really safe; it will only put you far behind the scene where God is working. But getting into the thick of the worship and service of God will prove that the things concerning the kingdom of God are on the front burner in your life.