Articles
Choose Jesus
Psychologist, Dr. Stephanie Brown has observed that Americans today are “chasing money, power, success, and a wilder, faster pace of living.” At the same time, numerous sources report that church attendance in America is steadily declining.
Jesus tells us these phenomena are connected. He says the cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things will choke out God’s word in us like thorns smother young, seedling plants (Mar 4:18,19).
To be spiritually healthy, we must find a way to be simple, tranquil, contented, uncluttered, uncomplicated people. If we are, we will be distinctly countercultural. Being different from our world is what being holy or set apart is all about (1Pe 1:15,16).
To be spiritually healthy, we must heed the counsel of the Hebrew writer as he tells us to lay aside anything that pulls us away from Jesus: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb 12:1-2)
Life is full of choices and tradeoffs. "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Mat 6:24)
Make the choice to serve Jesus, whatever it costs. You’ll be glad you did. -Paul
